Thursday, October 22, 2020

Anachronisms in #Nollywood Igbo Epic Movies and Ṇ́dị́ Ìgbò History



Anachronisms in #Nollywood Igbo Epic Movies and Ṇ́dị́ Ìgbò History

About ten years ago, I have written about anachronisms in several Igbo historical or epic movies. And I still see them in the new movies often showing on the AfricaMagic Epic channel on DStv.

You see Igbo warriors using the Takouba broadsword common in the Sahel region of Africa often used by the Tuareg tribe. And Igbo women having hairstyles and facial makeup of the Wodaabe fulani tribe. 


Wodaabe Fulani woman.

Then they are chanting hums of the Wolof tribe of Senegal or Zulu tribe of South Africa, but speaking the Igbo language.

These anachronisms in Igbo epic movies are caused by lack of education and research on the culture, haute couture and oral literature of Igbo history since the period of Igbo Ukwu.

Every Igbo epic drama must be based on Igbo Ukwu history. Igbo Ukwu produced  the oldest bronze artifacts known in West Africa and were made earlier than those of the ancient kingdoms of Ife and Benin. The bronzes include numerous ritual vessels, pendants, crowns, breastplates, staff ornaments, swords, and fly-whisk handles. 

Artefacts found in Igbo-Ukwu dates back to 2000 BC in Lejja and 750 BC in Opi, both in the Nsukka region about 100 Kilometers east of Igbo-Ukwu.

It is wrong to use modern wax textile clothes for Igbo epic movies. Because, such textiles did not exist 100 years ago. 

They can use Akwete cloth which has been in existence over 200 years ago. And Igbo also wove cloth from raffia. 

Igbo warriors never dressed like Zulu warriors. And Igbo chiefs never dressed like Zulu chiefs. And Igbo women never had Wodaabe hairstyles and makeup.

Ohafia women.

See pictures of the early period of Igbos on. https://igbophilia.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/five-brides-to-be/


- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, 

The Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series.

Karl Maier Saw It Coming in 2002 in This House Has Fallen: Nigeria In Crisis

 





To understand Africa, one must understand Nigeria, and few Americans understand Nigeria better than Karl Maier. This House Has Fallen is a bracing and disturbing report on the state of Africa's most populous, potentially richest, and most dangerously dysfunctional nation. Each year, with depressing consistency, Nigeria is declared the most corrupt state in the entire world. Though Nigeria is a nation into which billions of dollars of oil money flow, its per capita income has fallen dramatically in the past two decades. Military coup follows military coup. A bellwether for Africa, it is a country of rising ethnic tensions and falling standards of living, very possibly on the verge of utter collapse -- a collapse that could dramatically overshadow even the massacres in Rwanda. A brilliant piece of reportage and travel writing, This House Has Fallenlooks into the Nigerian abyss and comes away with insight, profound conclusions, and even some hope. Updated with a new preface by the author.

Review

Maier puts a human face on a disheartening situation that seems remote and impersonal to most Americans. -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Karl Maier has been the Africa correspondent for London's Independent newspaper and a contributor to the Economist and the Washington Post. His previous two books on Africa, Angola: Promises and Lies and Into the House of the Ancestors, received glowing reviews internationally. He lives in London.




The #EndSARS Protests Show the Unstable Future of Nigeria


The #EndSARS protests have shown us the unstable future of Nigeria with two groups of Nigerian youths; the peaceful nation builders and the nation destroyers, the mobs of hoodlums who as we saw were hired  political thugs and criminals on rampage. There is an emergency wake up call for the national reorientation of the disoriented and disillusioned Nigerian youths for their reformation and transformation for the nation building of a New Nigeria of the Nigerian Dream.

Saturday, October 17, 2020

The Art and Architecture of Motion Picture

 

The Art and Architecture of Motion Picture is a must study in filmmaking which I am yet to see in the curricula of any film school or film academy in Nigeria. 

The foremost Nigerian expert is Prof.  David Olatunde Aradeon who designed the movie sets for "Bullfrog in the Sun", the film adaptation of Chinua Achebe's critically acclaimed novels, "Things Fall Apart" and 'No Longer at Ease" directed by Hansjürgen Pohland and Produced by Francis Oladele in 1971.

Prof. Aradeon is to Nigerian Architecture what Prof. Wole Soyinka is to Nigerian literature. He is the greatest and most accomplished Nigerian architect.

The following is a must read for filmmakers, film students, film scholars, artists, architects and students of art and architecture.

The Art Of Movie Spaces

Oct 14, 2020

Think about a movie you love. Chances are you also love—or can at least vividly call to mind—the spaces in it. Can you see the main character’s bedroom? Kitchen? Living room? More often than we realize, the design of such spaces is densely packed with emotional information. 

Perhaps no one is more keenly aware of this than Boryana Ilieva. For years now, the Bulgarian movie lover and architecturally minded artist has been exploring great design in great films, with great dedication to boot. Her exquisite Floor Plan Croissant project is an ever-expanding series of meticulous watercolors depicting the intimate residential spaces of beloved films like Parasite (whose production designer was the Oscar-nominated Lee Ha Jun), Roma (Oscar-nominated production designer Eugenio Caballero), and Call Me by Your Name (production designer Samuel Deshors). From film footage alone, Boryana draws then paints precise, vivid layouts. Her pieces are so evocative that the movies start playing in your mind. 

Continue reading on https://aframe.oscars.org/features/the-art-of-movie-spaces?utm_source=newsletter

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Bekederemo! You Have Left Us in the Storm

A Tribute To John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo (6 April 1935 – 13 October 2020)


#EndSARS
@profosinbajo
@aatiku
@vanguardngrnews1
@aitonlineng

Bekederemo! You Have Left Us in the Storm
A Tribute To John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo (6 April 1935 – 13 October 2020)
https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2020/10/bekederemo-you-have-left-us-in-storm.html

Bekederemo! 
Bekederemo!! 
Bekederemo!!! 
Great son of Ịjọ Empire! 
Why have you left us in The Boat. 
In the turbulent storm? 
Without even A Reed in the Tide. 
Behold the bloodshed of the Casualties.
Shot by the demons in uniform. 
See the bloodshed of the martyrs of the revolt
Our revolution gainst the State of the Union. 
Our nation is like The Raft adrift down the River Niger. 
Even the gods of Ozidi have taken to their heels.

We are marching with our bare feet.
As we stomp on the street.
The echoes of our screams rent the skies 
In A Decade of Tongues.
Ivbie is swearing at the Union Jack.
Blaming John Bull for the pepper in our eyes. 
But she forgot that her uncle Okoli sold our crude oil well to Shell. 
And General Chevron carried our oil drums to America, Their America. 

Our fish are floating in the oil spillage. 
Thousands fled our Izon Kiagbodo village.
Even The Masquerade of Ngbilebiri has stopped dancing. 
Who can dance to the Song of a Goat? 
In the hysteria of Nigeria?

Bekederemo! 
What are you going to tell
Achebe and Okara?
What are you going to tell Saro-Wiwa?
Tell them the truth, that all is not well.

Bekederemo!
Bekederemo!!
Bekederemo!!!
Farewell.

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima, author of "Scarlet Tears of London, The Prophet Lied and other books.
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima


über Nollywood


So much has been written and published on Nollywood, our Nollywood, the phenomenal Nigerian film industry producing thousands of home videos telling stories of Nigerians from the past to the present and has caught the attention of the rest of the world to say Wow! African magic? 

Did you know that Ivorian rebels in the bush stopped fighting when a shipment of Nollywood DVDs arrived from Lagos? 

Did you know that Zambian mothers said that their children now talk with accents copied from Nollywood movies? 

Did you know that when the President of Sierra Leone asked Genevieve Nnaji to join him on the campaign trail he attracted record crowds at rallies, because of her? 

Yes, Nollywood is our African magic that has hooked the world. The maiden edition of Nollywood Mirror® is a celebration of the best of Nollywood.


Monday, October 12, 2020

Panda Opens On 17th October

 


Panda Opens On 17th October 

- By Ingram Osigwe 


Somewhere in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos lies a sprawling master piece of creative thinking. It is the Panda Event Complex Ltd. Note that rather than the normal cliche "centre" associated with places events are held, Panda has a suffix "Complex". And Panda is indeed a complex in all ramifications. History will be made on 17th October, 2020 as it opens its doors for the public. 



Panda is a complete, radical departure from the old normal. In Panda, you have a new but rare normal, a complete package and one- stop place for hassle- free events. For a church or what some people call White wedding, Panda Event Complex has simplified the entire process both for intending couples and their guests. 






The chaotic and nerve- tasking nature of Lagos traffic has made commuting from church to venue of a wedding reception a nightmare for new couples and their guests but Panda has clinically solved all these. How? The uninitiated may ask. This is how: Located at plot 112 commercial Avenue, oyadiran estate, sabo yaba, Panda Event Complex Ltd is ringed by good access roads: Adekunle, Alagomeji, yaba, third mainland bridge, jibowu, oyingbo, Herbert Macaulay, commercial avenue, sabo police station. And wait for this: In Panda Event Complex are orthodox and Pentecostals churches namely St Dominic's Catholic church, Ecwa, Presbyterian church, Methodist, Assemblies of God. 

The Complex also houses a large parking space to accommodate various businesses, two halls for 1000 guests and 400 guests sitting. There is also a hotel consisting of 42 rooms (studio, standard, deluxe rooms, suite & executive suite) as well as outdoor and indoor restaurant, executive bar and outdoor bar. For the comfort of the public, all the halls are equipped with superb air conditioning systems. There are also choice cuisines. 

The complex is well secured by alert and efficient security personnel manning strategic positions and complemented by digital security devices, including CCTV.

This is in addition to sharing neighbourhood with Army and police formation with the vicinity. In strict compliance with COVID-19 preventive protocols, Panda Event Complex Ltd has automatic COVID sanitizers at strategic locations. 

The import of all the above facilities is that the Complex provides maximum comfort for the public, including guests and organisers for all strata of events. 

Panda also boasts of superstores for those interested in shopping. For quick withdrawals of cash, there are ATM points in the plethora of banks in Commercial Avenue, Sabo which is adjecent the complex A round- the clock power supply to the Complex ensures uninterrupted comfort. Panda Event complex eliminates stress, anxiety and stress often encountered by organisers of events and guests in the metropolitan Lagos. For a church wedding for example, a church, a reception hall, hotel accommodation for guest and newly wed couple, a bar etc are all situated in one place there by aiding a seamless holy matrimonial and process leading to it. 

Contact Telephone numbers: 
08096035414 
07059970606 
08097000084 
07016804962 
08060012186 

Panda Event Complex.....experience the passion of hospitality. 
No 112, Commercial Avenue, 
Oyadiran Estate, Sabo, 
Yaba, Lagos. 
Instagram : @pandagroup_ Twitter:@pandaeventhome 
Facebook: @pandaeventcomplex 
Email: pandaevents2010@gmail.com



Reformation of the Nigerian Police Force in Nation Building

 

IGP Muhammed A. Adamu, NPM,mni; Inspector General of Police.

The reformation of the Nigerian Police Force is not possible without the restoration of the human dignity of Nigerian police officers.


Majority of Nigerians dislike Nigerian police officers; calling them all sorts of derogatory names and accusing them of corrupt practises without any consideration for the patriotic service of the entire Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Bribery and brutality have become the most common public complaints about Nigerian police officers. But we cannot complain about the problems with the NPF without addressing the causes of the problems and then recommend the solutions.

The different administrations of the federal government from military regimes to the civilian administrations, have failed to improve the NPF in operations and living conditions. 

The indignities of the nauseating living conditions of majority of Nigerian police officers have made them to disregard human dignity. When you see the horrible state of the police barracks, you will not be surprised by their violent nature. They are not happy to be cramped in congested broken and stinking  barracks where officers and their families have to queue to use toilets and bathrooms. And they are among the worst paid police officers in the world. 

The shameful state of Nigerian police barracks have made news headlines over the years and reported recently by the Pulse.

Inside smelly and decaying police barracks in Lagos [Pulse’ Special Report]

https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/inside-smelly-and-decaying-police-barracks-in-lagos-pulse-special-report/5




President Muhammadu Buhari has emphasised that the government must improve the Nigeria Police Force in training, logistics and welfare.


The following should be done without delay:

Happy Nigerian police officer.

Nigerian police officers.


* Demolition of all the dilapidated old police barracks and building new barracks with modern amenities and utilities.

* Increase the salaries of police officers.

* The minimum entry level of the Nigeria Police Force should be OND, followed by compulsory one year  training in the Police Academy for junior police officers and HND/Degree for senior police officers or three years in the Police Academy. 

* Review of the curriculum for Police Academy in comparison with the standards of the police academies of advanced countries.

* improve the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Nigeria Police Force in every community in Nigeria.


- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima 
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series
247 Nigeria (@247nigeria) / Twitter
https://mobile.twitter.com/247nigeria
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima




Sunday, October 11, 2020

International Day of the Girl 2020: We Do Not Wait Tomorrow



#GenerationEquality Spoken Word: We do not wait tomorrow

International Day of the Girl 2020

The theme for this year, “My voice, our equal future”, reimagines a better world inspired and led by adolescent girls, as part of the global Generation Equality movement.

Girls worldwide are demanding a life free from gender-based violence, access to health, skills, recognition and investment as leaders of social change.


UN International Day of the Girl Child: My Voice, Our Equal Future


On International Day of the Girl Child, 11 October, amplify the voices and rights of girls everywhere.


The theme for this year, “My Voice, Our Equal Future”, reimagines a better world inspired and led by adolescent girls, as part of the global Generation Equality movement.

-, UN Women.

International Day of the Girl Child, 11 October 2020: Keeping the promises made to girls in Beijing in 1995

Format
News and Press Release
Source

GENEVA (9 October 2020)
 – On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, UN human rights experts* have highlighted the vulnerabilities of girls in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and called on Governments to unlock young girls' potential and keep the promises made to them in Beijing, 25 years ago.

Twenty-five years ago in Beijing, China, the world made promises to girls all around the globe. Governments promised them they would take all necessary steps to safeguard their equal rights and ensure that girls achieve their full potential. World leaders promised to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against girls, to provide them opportunities on an equal basis with boys, to promote and protect their rights, to eliminate the economic exploitation and to empower them to participate in social, economic, political and cultural life. They were promised an enabling environment, where their spiritual, intellectual and material needs for survival, protection and development are met.

This year, while we commemorate the invaluable progress made in promoting gender equality over the last 25 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the existing inequalities and discrimination that girls face and their particular vulnerability in the context of this pandemic. In a joint statement in July 2020, the experts noted that over recent months it has become clear that women and girls have been disproportionately impacted by these inequalities, with lockdown measures highlighting pre-existing gaps and exacerbating deep rooted gender-based discrimination and violence.

Although girls and children in general have in large part not been hit directly by COVID-19, they are the primary victims of its potential long-term effects. School closures and the sharpened digital divide within and between wealthy and poor countries are eroding years of progress in girls' access to education. Overall, about 11 million girls might not return to school this year, adding to the 130 million who were already out of school before the pandemic. Girls who are forced to stay at home due to school closures are more exposed to domestic violence and face higher risks of child marriage and early pregnancy. Restrictions on the provision of health services, such as pre and post-natal care, termination of pregnancy and the availability of contraceptives, imposed by many countries to address the excessive demands on health services caused by the pandemic, adversely affect young girls. The fragile economic situation of their families has increased the risk of exploitation of girls, including in trafficking for the purpose of labour or sexual exploitation. Digital technologies may pose a significant risk for girls if not properly regulated. In the context of COVID-19, as more girls are not regularly attending school, the risks of trafficking online for the purpose of sexual exploitation has significantly increased. Worldwide, many girls who lived through the peak of the pandemic will see their future lifetime earnings fall precipitously and possible employment opportunities shattered. Girls who are already victims of intersecting forms of discrimination, including but not limited to indigenous girls and minority girls, girls with disabilities, migrant girls and rural girls, are at the risk of being further marginalized.

At the same time, we have witnessed the incredible power and resilience of girls worldwide. We have seen them become change-makers instead of passive spectators. We have listened to them, as human rights defenders, demanding that world leaders ensure their rights to education and to participate in cultural life, as well as equality, environmental justice, sexual and reproductive rights, democracy and accountability. We have supported their calls for the right to live a life free from violence and harmful practices, to complete their educations and eliminate all forms of discrimination.

As countries deal with the devastating consequences of the pandemic, governments have the unique opportunity to re-think societies and address long-lasting structural inequalities. Young girls need to be at the centre of policy-making processes and contribute to the design of age-sensitive social protection schemes. Countries must value the disproportionate share of household chores carried by young girls and ensure access to vocational training and economic resources.

Finally and most importantly, at this historical moment, societies must reconceptualise traditional gender roles to unlock young girls' potential to contribute to their communities and societies. As empowered girls today and as the future leaders tomorrow, they will address this century's biggest challenges. This will only be possible if countries build back better for a fairer and more equal society, a society where girls' voices are heard, welcomed and respected and their views are acted upon, and where girls' rights are protected and promoted, everyday, everywhere.

On today's International Day of the Girl Child, States must reflect on whether the promises made to girls 25 years ago have been realised. We owe this to the young generation of girls that are facing this pandemic. We owe this to the young girls full of hope who believed that this world could be a more equal place with the adoption of a visionary Platform for Action for gender equality. On International Day of the Girl Child, we must accelerate our commitment to ensure that the future we committed to 25 years ago for every girl, everywhere, becomes her lived reality."

ENDS

(*) UN experts: Ms. Elizabeth Broderick (Chair), Ms. Alda Facio, Ms. Ivana RadačIć, Ms. Meskerem Geset Techane, Ms. Melissa Upreti (vice-Chair), Working Group on discrimination against women and girls; Ms. Karima Bennoune, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights; Ms. Koumbou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Ms. Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Mr. Fernand De Varennes, Special Rapporteur on minority issues; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh, Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children; Mr. Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; Ms. Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Ms. Dubravka Šimonović, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences.