HOW SALUTARY IS THIS ?

Although the seeds and pebbles game known variously in Nigeria as ayo,okwe,nsa-isong,dara,warri etc is played all over the world, there seems a concensus that it originated from Africa.Its recent resurgence is, unfortunately like other elements of our culture, being engineered from outside the continent.Most computerised versions that have seen the light of day have originated from Europe while systematised internationalisation is led by France and Britain.

Here in Nigeria, in spite of our claimed commitment to the promotion of traditional sports and games, we are finding it difficult to decide that a competition in this game should be part of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) although this would be the 33rd time the festival is being held.

Can anybody wonder then that the International Oware Society's world and African rankings do not feature even one Nigerian even though this is the favourite game of prominent citizens like General Olusegun Obasanjo and Major General Shuwa(rtd) ?

Of course,it is not all a negative story.My work on Nsa-Isong was itself triggered off by the decades-long efforts of Mrs Viloetta Ekpo,the Uyo NCMM,the AKS Traditional Sports Association and Engineer Mfon Amana. There is also a report of an annual competition sponsored by the proprietor of The Tent Manor ( a hotel in Uyo) while there is at least one school in the FCT that practices planned learning and competition amongst its pupils.Clearly this does not exhaust the list of efforts.

The real problem is that the enemy of the beautiful is the more beautiful. Our efforts and achievements detailed above pale to nothing when put beside the reports coming from Britain ,France and other lands regarding the promotion of the game.

We certainly need to buckle up if we are not to suddenly discover that this is one more heritage we shall need to re-learn from foreigners.

This call is not merely sentimental either! When our youths especially engage seriously in this traditionally valued game for pecuniary and other rewards, it can be part of the solution to youth restiveness. It will engage their minds,keep them off the streets, raise their self-esteem and provide them a safe and legal source of income.

The time for action is NOW: please,please,please do not let us suffer the indignity of having foreigners teach our children our culture. Learn oware(ayo,dara,okwe,nsa-isong,warri,etc) today,teach it to your children and generally join in its promotion.

IFACCA:The International Federation of Art Councils and Culture Agencies !

Vision and Objectives: The International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) is the global network of arts councils and ministries of culture.

Vision: IFACCA aims to benefit artists, arts organisations and communities worldwide.
Our vision is a dynamic network, sharing knowledge and creating understanding to enrich a world of artistic and cultural diversity.

Current African Membership includes :Botswana,Central Africcan Republic,Gambia,Kenya,Malawi,Mozanbique,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Senegal,South Africa,Tasnzania,Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Ayakoroma moves to the next level !

When praying at the closing ceremony of the National Festival of Arts and Culture(NAFEST), Minna, Niger State 2009, Barclays Ayakoroma thanked God for the fact that NAFEST had moved to another level. As it happens, God was busy that moment preparing him(Barclays) for moving to another level. And so, Barclays Ayakoroma (Phd) is the new Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation(NICO).

We let you know earlier of the dynamism of this young icon of the Cultural Sector in our posting on the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, which he was in charge of then. Well, he did not leave that dynamism out of his approach to the new job.

Just go over to the NICO site and see for yourself. That is only a sign of the many great things this cultural administrator is intending to do at NICO, of which we shall be informing you as they unfold.

Enter Fluid Piano

I am a lover of music. I play the guitar and the clarinet and I sing too.

I am extremely excited at this moment about the uunveiling of the fluid pianio, a re-invented version of that glorious instrument that will be capable of playing music from various cultures.

Whether or not you arae a musician, you simply need to read more.....

NAFEST takes off in grand style.

The Nationaal Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST has finally taken off in grand style in Minna, capital of Niger State.That happened on the 13th of this month.

It was marked by the hosting Governor- known here as The Chief Servant- being visibly commited to the success of the venture.

The venue is branded all over with the greatest visibility being in the arena for traditional wrestling.A good number of cars specially branded for the festival are made available for officials and there are many other branded items besides.

State input into the opening ceremony was also visible. There was a calisthenic performance before the traditional states' parade and the day was rounded off with fireworks.

Competitive events at the festival include *dance/music presentation *special exhibition/live presentation * traditional wreestling etc while the non-competitive events include ayo and herbal medicine

NAFEST postponed ?

Well. nobody is passing it as official information as yet.

Going by the texts passing between various heads of state art councils and their friends.however, it would seem that this year's NAFEST will no more start on October 3rd as previously announced but on the 10th day of that month !

Venue remains the same.

Confirmed:Art surfers first !

For most of my colleagues in the Nigerian Cultural Sector and the Art World in general an eternal concern is the fact that government not only does not do enough for our field but always finds it the first recourse when budget has to be cut.

America and Europe get cited as examples of what it should be.

You can then imagine what our feelings must be when we hear this kind of news from Agency Press that even for America, less state expense is touching arts first..........