Tuesday 19 November 2019

Arts harvest in Ekiti!
See the yams and cassava from Ekiti Cultural -Art farm
.......handiwork of Baba Abejide , Ilasa Ekiti.
....powered by Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture

Wednesday 13 November 2019

National Troupe DG pledges support for EKIFEST 2019

The Director – General, National Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukor has assured that his agency would support and collaborate with Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture at staging a successful 2019 Ekiti State Festival for Arts and Culture scheduled for 12 to 14 December 2019
Comrade Tar Ukor made this commitment yesterday when he paid a visit to the Chairperson of Ekifest 2019, Erelu Bisi Fayemi
He commended  Erelu Bisi Fayemi for her strong and passionate love for culture and value orientation despite her glorious intercontinental exposure to fad, fashion and so-called civilization
Comrade Ukor pointed out that Ekiti State is a paragon of cultural value and pristine ethics which should not only be preserved but enhanced for this generation and generation yet unborn
He said that Governor Fayemi has placed the name of Ekiti State on the cultural global cultural map through his cultural  and value orientation policy  thus cultivating a great measure of respect and honour to both the state and its eminent indigenes
Comrade Ukor saluted the state performance at the 2019 NAFEST held in Edo State where Ekiti was adjudged the Most Creative and Innovative State of the Federation.
He remarked that this feat has distinguished Ekiti State as not only a fountain of knowledge but a spring and headquarter of cultural vibes in Nigeria.
Comrade Ukor commended the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture under Ambassador Wale Ojo - Lanre for adding immeasurable value to the pride, dignity and global perception of the state
Comrade Ukor who had a meeting with Otunba Tade Aluko , Aluko,Ganiyu Ibrahim , Permanent Secretary , Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Rotimi Awelewa, Jeremiah Okonjo and Ojo -Lanre disclosed that his agency would establish a Bata Academy and trained 100 creative artists in Ekiti State.
" This

National Troupe will support 2019 EKIFEST - Tar Ukor

The Director – General, National
Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukor has assured that his agency would support and collaborate with Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture at staging a successful 2019 Ekiti State Festival for Arts and Culture scheduled for 12 to 14 December 2019
Comrade Tar Ukor made this commitment yesterday when he paid a visit to the Chairperson of Ekifest 2019, Erelu Bisi Fayemi
He commended  Erelu Bisi Fayemi for her strong and passionate love for culture and value orientation despite her glorious intercontinental exposure to fad, fashion and so-called civilization
Comrade Ukor pointed out that Ekiti State is a paragon of cultural value and pristine ethics which should not only be preserved but enhanced for this generation and generation yet unborn
He said that Governor Fayemi has placed the name of Ekiti State on the cultural global cultural map through his cultural  and value orientation policy  thus cultivating a great measure of respect and honour to both the state and its eminent indigenes
Comrade Ukor saluted the state performance at the 2019 NAFEST held in Edo State where Ekiti was adjudged the Most Creative and Innovative State of the Federation.
He remarked that this feat has distinguished Ekiti State as not only a fountain of knowledge but a spring and headquarter of cultural vibes in Nigeria.
Comrade Ukor commended the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture under Ambassador Wale Ojo - Lanre for adding immeasurable value to the pride, dignity and global perception of the state
Comrade Ukor who had a meeting with Otunba Tade Aluko, Aluko, Ganiyu Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Rotimi Awelewa, Jeremiah Okonjo and Ojo -Lanre disclosed that his agency would establish a Bata Academy and trained 100 creative artists in Ekiti State.
" This

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Read how Ekiti Youths Parliament Speaker behaved in Ekiti DG Culture's office

Ojo-Lanre tasks Ekiti Youth Parliamentarians on cultural value legislation
The Director -General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre has called on Ekiti State Youths Parliament to gird its loins and enact strong legislation that can  reinforce the cultural value orientation policy of Governor John Kayode Fayemi
Ambassador Ojo -Lanre made this called while playing host to a delegation of the members of the 3rd Session of Ekiti Youth Parliament led by the Right Honourable Speaker, Oluwatobilola Fatunla to his office
Ambassador Ojo - Lanre pointed out that the inauguration of  Ekiti Youth Parliament  by Governor Fayemi was a sign of his immense respect, regard love and genuine interest at involving the youths of Ekiti in policy generation, formulation  and implementation
He pointed said that if Governor Fayemi did not believe in government of total inclusion, he would have not have encouraged the institutionalisation of Ekiti Youths Parliament as an integral part of his administration.
'Hence, I am calling on you all to gird your loins and rise above the expectation  of Dr Fayemj by putting into place strong and elastic legislations which will enhance and reinforce the cultural - value orientation of JKF-2"
Ambassador Ojo - Lanre stated that " you are the leaders of tomorrow. Governor Fayemi has entrusted on your shoulders the onerous task of moulding your tomorrow today, it is left for you to take sustainable actions via legislation and advocacy in shaping the future of this state as regards the conducts of today's youths who are tomorrow's leaders and elders '
 He admonished the youth parliamentarians to set standard and benchmark in behavioural pattern as they are the ambassadors and light-bearers of the state
Ambassador Ojo -Lanre said" the task of accelerated cultural- value reorientation lies heavily on you. You are the best agents who can salvage and prevent the total obliteration of our cultural values system. And this is why the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture is ready and willing to partnering with you in ensuring the revitalization of the pristine culture of Ekiti State among the Youths as you are the change agents of this "
Responding, Rt Hon. Toba Fatunla applauded the Council for its culturally packaged reception which was laced with drumming, songs and messages emphasising the rich culture of Ekiti State.
He congratulated the Council for adding value to the image of Ekiti State  when it won the Best Most Creative and Innovate State in Nigeria at the last National Arts and Culture Festival, NAFEST, held in Benin Edo State
Rt Hon Fatunla  revealed that " we are here today not only to just parade ourselves as the representatives of the youth but most essential to seek for a purposeful synergy which can bring about a pristinely cultural- value revolution among the youths .'
He pointed out " we know that to who much is given, much is expected. We also realised the extent of the injury which social vices have wreaked in our society especially among the youths. We realised the weight and the burden of expectation from us. Hence, we are reaching out to the essential stakeholders who will be partners in this process of value reformation, reorientation and rejuvenation '
Rt Hon Fatunla said " We realised that we lost to the grim hand of vices just because we abandoned our pristine cultural values, we sacrificed those sacrosanct moral and cultural values which bestowed unto us a fairly saintly society for fake civilization, globalisation, indoctrination and vogue. Hence, our determination to commence our networking by visiting the Ekiti -State Council for Arts and Culture. And we are happy that we are here."


Monday 28 October 2019

Afe Babalola selfish on Ekiti Airport project! By Wale Ojo - Lanre

Is it for Afe Babalola?
( A post by Wale Ojo - Lanre in June 2016 supporting the planting of an Airport in Ekiti State )
I AM SAD! Ekiti matter on my mind
Do you want me to be happy? No
I am not happy at all
And I am not
They are my friends
24 of them
Arrived Nigeria
From Trinidad and Tobago
Not so rugged people
Visited Badagry
Spent 5 days
Spent quite much money there
 in hotels and bought a lot of Souvenirs
They were in Lagos
Love to visit  Ekiti State
visit the land of pounded yam
See Ire where Ogun God of Iron descended into the earth crust
Ikogosi on their mind
Arinta Waterfall, Ipole floor  on the list
Erio, the new Jerusalem was there
Usi, where the first Catholic Mass was held in 1913
Okutagbokutaleri in Ado included
Igede Stream, the Source of Osun River
Ero dam, the third-largest man-made a dam in Nigeria
But they cannot venture into Ekiti land
The trip from Badagry to Ekiti
The traffic chaos all the route to Ife
( Badagry -Mile 2, Lagos - Ibadan, Iwo road - ife )
Just because they want to visit a great land
Don't you have an Airport in Ekiti?  They asked
No, we have one in Akure?
I mean in Ado Ekiti, the capital city of your state?
No, we don't? I responded
They checked the flight routes to Akure
The Arik flight is not there!
'Sorry, we cannot make it to your state!
Your state is a paragon of tourism
You need an airport no matter the dimension
It is because of the need
Not for fanciful sake "
So my state was edged out from the dollar rain
They are just one group
And I was thrown into sadness
That my people
always allow politics, sentiment and individualism
To affect the decision on common interest
I remember when Chief Segun Oni was the Governor of the state
The Airport would have been constructed
But the then Minister wanted it in his town
which is not geographically suitable for it
then it meant to promote a certain huge agricultural project
But it was killed by the Fayemi's government
But who could have done it if he had secured a second term
For I met him in the company of Remi Oladoye
In his office in Ado Ekiti
After the inauguration of Ikogosi Warm Resort
He promised to continue the Airport project of my boss
And when the present Governor brought the idea
Which I supported with full strength
Despite my political difference with him
I  know it is a good one
For Ekiti state  and he will not take it along after his four years
Like the Governor's House in Oke Ayoba built by Fayemi
But we  killed it because of politics, personal hatred, perception about the viability and other erroneous reasons
That is how we have killed many programmes, schemes and projects
On the alter of personal animosity, political hatred, unreasonable sentiment, sheer opposition not thinking about the future of Ekiti
Malaysia is a country of 25 million
It has only 62 airports servicing special area of needs
I am not happy but sad
That with the enormous agricultural potentialities in Ekiti
With the preponderance of tourism assets
we cannot see the reasons
Why we should have an Airport in Ekiti
That there is an Aiport in Akure makes no meaning to me
Akure may not need the Airport
They have oil which brings the state fund
So they don't need it for a purpose
But Ekiti need it for a purpose!
If Governor Fayose's government has been hamstrung
from constructing an Airport
I would have done it if I could
But I will support any individual
Who can do this
Who can and will make me happy
For   Ekiti deserves Airport
No matter what
And Baba Afe to the rescue

Sunday 27 October 2019

Read how Ekiti State won Ist Most Creative and Innovative State in Nigeria at NAFEST 2019

Read how Ekiti State won  Ist Most Creative and Innovative State in Nigeria at  NAFEST 2019 
.......Otunba Runsewe commends Gov Fayemi's cultural vision 
The image of Ekiti State soared to high heaven at the closing ceremony of the National Arts and Culture Festival, NAFEST 2019 held at the University of Benin Sports Complex when Ekiti State was announced as the winner of the First Position as the Most Culturally Creative  and Innovative State  in Nigeria 
The Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi had mobilised the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture under Ambassador Wale Ojo - Lanre to lead a 48- member contingent including the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ganiyu Titilope Ibrahim  to Benin, Edo State to join other states in participating   in the 39th Edition of the National Arts and Culture Festival.
The Ekiti Contingent had gone to the event with the major aim of showcasing the preparation of Royal  Pounded Yam in line with the theme of this year's NAFEST: Our Royalty. Our Pride 
Armed with two mortals, four pestles, bags of condiments of local soup preparation, seasoned bushmeat and set of Ekiti farm yam tubers, the contingent headed for Benin to culturally showcase the beauty of Ekiti  pounded yam 
The entry of Ekiti Contingent was markedly noticed at the Federal Government Girls  College Benin which was the camp for the delegates when the contingent displayed a welcome cultural show to the amazement of others participants who were there before them.
To further demonstrate the contingent's tenacity of purpose, it immediately set up a kitchen at the Eweka Hall where pounded yam was made available at a la carte 
Having established a culturally dignified presence at the Camp , the Ekiti Contingent shifted attention to the Arts and Craft Exhibition Ground at Cultural Center Benin City where it established a culturally beautiful pavilion manned by the President of Ekiti State Association of Professional Artists, Mr Jacob Ayodele who ensured that the beauty of Ekiti indigenous arts and crafts was exposed to the teaming participants who scrambled to visit Ekiti Pavilion where Ekiti State Cultural Troupe maintained glorious musical presence.
However, the glory of Ekiti State shone brightly at the presentation of the Royal Cuisines by all the participating States of the Federation held at the Benin Museum. 
The Ekiti Pavilion discerned itself from the others by its sheer employment of culturally local contents both in the construction of its pavilion, cooking utensils, soup ingredients, method of preparation and serving to the process of eating the pounded yam by the King whose mouth must not be seen while eating.
The creativity and innovation  which Ekiti State Contingent injected into the packaging and presentation of its content  at the event did not only impressed the adjudicators but overwhelmed the imagination of Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, DG, National Council for Arts and Culture , Abuja, who publicly acknowledged this when he led  a team of distinguished guests on a visit to Ekiti Cuisine Pavilion.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who announced the Award of 1st position as the Most Creative and Innovative State in terms of culture in Nigeria commended Governor Fayemi for his brilliant cultural vision which has continued to glitter globally.

Tuesday 8 October 2019

Nigeria Ambassador in Hungary commends Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe You shored up Nigeria's image in Europe- Ambassador Eniola Ajayi

Nigeria Ambassador in Hungary commends Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe
The Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe has been described as a pan - Nigeria cultural team which employs traditional music and dance to add value to Nigeria's image home and abroad
The Nigeria Ambassador to Hungary, Dr Eniola Ajayi disclosed this  while bidding the Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe goodbye at the Nigerian House, Budapest
She revealed ' I must confess that you are fantastic. You made Nigeria proud. You have shored up the image of Nigeria in Europe and also showcased to the world that Nigeria is not only the land of good people but of wonderful culture and songs "
She said that the Nigeria Embassy in Hungary invited the Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe for the celebration of the 59th Independence Day of Nigeria based on its performance pedigree and " I am happy that you did not only lived up to expectation but performed awesomely well beyond our expectation"
Ambassador Ajayi pointed out that the Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe dazzled the foreign diplomats and guests with the Unity Dance, which showcased the import of collective responsibility, harmonious cohabitation, ethnic reinforcement and leveraging on diversity perception at building a strong Nigeria
She lauded the group for not coming to Hungary only to spread the cultural heritage of Ekiti but showcased a pan- Nigeria musical concert which cultivated love, passion, interest and respect to the nation
Ambassador Ajayi said that Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe put up spectacular and fascinating performances both on the 4th of October when the Embassy of Nigeria celebrated 59th Independence Day and on the 6th October when the Troupe held its ' exciting and grand Command performance.
Ambassador Ajayi lauded Ekiti State Governor, Dr John Kayode Fayemi and Erelu Bisi Fayemi for nurturing and empowering an Ekiti Cultural Troupe which is not only making waves on the global front but which is employing creative dancing and singing to shore up the image of Nigeria and cultivating respect and honour to Ekiti
She commended the Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo - Lanre and the Permanent Secretary of the Council, Alhaji Ganiyu Titilope Ibrahim for leading a disciplined Cultural Troupe which bears the hallmark of excellence
Ambassador Ajayi said  'Honesty, I am very proud of you. You are a  cultural asset to Ekiti State and Nigeria .My colleagues have been calling me in appreciation of your performance. God bless you all. Bear my regards to Nigerians and good people of Ekiti State. Safe trip back home "

Monday 30 September 2019

Read what Puffy T told Governor Fayemi in Ado Ekiti

Puffy T lauds Gov Fayemi's cultural arts policy

A global music  producer, scriptwriter and talent hunter par excellence, Babatope Temidayo, popularly known as Puffy T has commended Governor Kayode Fayemi for creating policies which lure Ekiti in Diaspora home
Puffy T made this statement in Ado Ekiti when paying a courtesy visit to Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture.
He described Governor Fayemi as a messiah who God sent to redeem the image of Ekiti State and salvage the youth from committing class suicide
Puffy T disclosed ' To confess to you, as an artistic mind and an Ido lle born Lagos based person, Gov Fayemi's cultural policy and the conducive atmosphere prevailing in Ekiti which is his handiwork endeared me to the state  "
A songwriter cum producer also with the vision of discovering young talents and develop them to the maximum potential expressed that   " Governor John Kayode Fayemi has given me reasons to always visit home because of the strides he is taking to ensure that Ekiti State becomes a beehive of Socio-Cultural entertainment hub.
 He expressed his readiness to partner with the state government and the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture to promote our artists that are upcoming, those that have made their mark but still need to go higher and the ones that need to discover their full potentials.
In his remarks, the Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre welcomed Babatope Temidayo home. " This is home, Ekiti State is happy to have you and we are also proud of the good representation you are giving to the state."
 Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre reiterated the efforts of the JKF2 administration at rejuvenating Ekiti State cultural heritage and will welcome anyone who is passionate and ready to be the change agent of the cultural revolution.
The DG informed  Puffy T of the upcoming events, that are scheduled to hold later this year; EKIFEST 2019, and All  Ekiti Stars night .

Sunday 29 September 2019

Read how Europeans stole 13 thousand years old skull from Isarun , Ondo state

Adventure to Iwo Eleru , Isarun Ondo State .
Adventure into Iwo Eleru: West Africa Stone Age cave in Isarun

20.Aug.2014  , NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
 by
Wale Ojo-Lanre

Historians and archaeologists believed that stone age activities never occurred anywhere in West Africa th
us making excavations and archeologically activities concentrated in East Africa.

However, in 1965, an English archaeologist, Prof Thurstan Shaw of blessed memory, with his team, invaded the thick forest of Isarun, a sleepy village in Ondo State, about 20 kilometres to Akure and five kilometres to Igbara Oke worked rigorously and excavated bones of stone age man in a cave, which invalidated the hitherto held claims and views.

Shaw’s findings, revealed that skulls and bones of human beings found there were subjected to radiocarbon dating instruments pointed out that stone age activities actually took place in this forest some 13,000 years ago.

Other researchers have actually worked on his findings and the site with by concluding that Iwo Eleru Cave was inhabited before 13,000 years ago.

An international team of scientists studied human skeletal remains from Iwo Eleru in Nigeria, West Africa, which was unearthed in 1965.

The team was led by Prof Katerina Harvati of the University of Tubingen, Germany and Professor Chris Stringer, human origins expert at the Natural History Museum, and author of the new book; The Origin of Our Species.

The skeleton was confirmed to be about 13,000 years old. However, the skull did not look like one from a recent human, particularly those living in West Africa today. Instead, it shared many similarities with African fossil skulls that date to more than 100,000 years ago.”

Thus on Friday 8 August, 2014, Tribune Tourism Magazine (TTM) ventured into the forest and had a feel of the historical Iwo Eleru cave in Isarun.

Isarun is located along Ilesa-Akure Road having Igbara Oke as its neighbour when heading towards Akure. There are many signposts and billboards erected at the junction to show the existence of a town that is a few metres off the main road.

However, Isarun is sleepy, cool and peaceful, the town is not like others as it is a testimony to the evolution and metamorphosis of human kind particularly in West Africa sub region.

The people of Isarun are hospitable and conscious of the essence of the town in sociological and morphological metamorphosis of life and living in West Africa.

“You are welcome to the first inhabited colony in West Africa. This is the first place ever lived by human in Nigeria. This is the place established by research and confirmed by tradition to have been occupied during the dark age, I mean stone age. Yes, this is the town,” Oba, a popular okada operator who guided TTM to Isarun Cave confirmed.

“But you cannot venture into the have; you must first get to the king’s palace,” added Oba.

At the King’s Palace

The Onisarun of Isarun, Oba Joseph Akinbobola who was delighted seeing the TTM expressed his disappointment at the seemingly nonchalant posture of the government to Isarun.

“This is the first place to have been inhabited by humans in West Africa. It is supported by both traditional evidence and scientific information and analysis.

“Traditionally, this place is called Isarun Ile-Owuro, (Isarun the early land). This has even before Thurstan Shaw came here in 1965. Our ancestors told us and gave us evidences, which were handed over to them by their own great progenitors.

“To cap this, was the archaeological adventure of Thurstan Shaw who flew here with a helicopter and dug up remains of Stone Age people and their articles of work then.

“All the various analyses and tests of what he found confirmed that Iwo Eleru, Isarun is the only place in West Africa with uncontroverted evidence of human habitation at the Stone Age.

“I just wonder why the Federal Government or UNESCO has not deemed it fit to turn this cave into a world centre of research and tourism wonder.”

Oba Akinbobola who gave a briefing of the various migratory trends of Isarun people lamented “You could have come here during the dry season. The road to the cave is bad. However, you will venture in and out there without any hitch.”

Hence, he directed three okada operators to take us to the cave.

“Go in peace and see with your own eyes where the stone age people lived and how they lived and you can come back for other clarifications.”

As we left the palace, I was told to hop on the motorcycle, which I resisted arguing that I brought a car.

“Oga, your car cannot get there. The road is bad or I can say there is no road at all. You can get to Agiri Village, but getting to the cave is a fleeting daydream.”

After a proper negotiation, the leader of the team agreed to N3,000. “We are collecting just three thousand naira from you because of kabiyesi who directed us to lead you.”

So, if Kabiyesi had not intervened, you would have charged more?,” I asked. The fee is not too much compared to the state of the road and the fact that it is rainy season. But you too would sympathise and even compensate us by the time we come back.”

As we journeyed to Agiri village, I needed no one to tell me the wisdom in hopping on a motorcycle. I realised why the okada operators’ charge so high.

“You can see what I was saying ‘Sir’. This road, which you are complaining about, is even better as we are going to pass through a rugged bush path to the cave.

If you think Agiri Village is far from civilization, bereft of life worthy of facilities, you will be pleasantly surprised that the village almost has all in terms of school, electricity, clinic and others. All planted by the state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

As we drove passed Agiri village, the cyclists who have mastered the terrain carefully meandered through blossoming cocoa trees, shrubs, undergrowth, and climbers for almost three kilometres before halting at the foot of a rock which has its surrounding littered by prosperous cocoa trees with beautiful matured pods hanging on them all.

“Welcome to the only arena where Stone Age men lived and their bones interred,” said Idowu Adewumi, a farmer whose late father, a hunter, accompanied late Professor Shaw to the cave in 1965.

Mr Adewumi revealed what his father told him were the findings at the cave “My father said Professor Shaw was very happy and excited when the first set of bones were excavated. According to my father, the late Prof told them that the town was a special and unique one having been the only place where stone age activities were carried out in West Africa probably, the cradle of mankind. To him, it was the greatest achievement of his life.”

This stance is supported by the findings of scholars who worked on the skeletal properties found in Iwo Eleru according to an article “ Mystery of a West African skull from 13,000 years ago “ published by Natural History Museum.

Humans with primitive skull features were still living in West Africa 13,000 years ago, much more recently than expected, according to scientists reporting in the PLoS One journal today, An international team of scientists studied human skeletal remains from Iwo Eleru in Nigeria, West Africa, which was unearthed in 1965.

The team was led by Prof Katerina Harvati of the University of Tubingen, Germany and Professor Chris Stringer, human origins expert at the Natural History Museum, and author of the new book The Origin of Our Species.

The skeleton was confirmed as dating to about 13,000 years ago. However, the skull did not look like one from a recent human, particularly those living in West Africa today. Instead, it shared many similarities with African fossil skulls that date to more than 100,000 years ago.

Stringer said that this suggests that fully modern humans in Africa overlapped with more archaic forms during the last 200,000 years (modern humans, Homo sapiens, evolved in Africa around 200,000 years ago).”

“We climed the hill and got to the cave where the skull was unearthed.

“It is a rock shelter, which has a small opening as the entrance.

Ashes like white sand, which Adewumi claimed were the ashes of the Stone Age people, covered the entrance of the cave.

The ashes like sand are protected naturally from rain and other elements by an outcrop of the big rock which served as an umbrella over the ashes arena.

On the wall of the rock is a white lettering, which Adewumi said, was to mark the spot where the skeletons of the Stone Age humans were excavated.

On the right of the cave stands the ruins of an old wall or building where we found a piece of broken earthenware, which is thicker than the modern day’s made.

The broken pot we saw at the site confirmed what Thurstan Shaw and S.G.H Daniels published in West Africa Journal of Archaeology, “Excavation at Iwo Eleru, Ondo State, Nigeria 1984.

It has frequently been stated that the West African forest could not have been exploited and occupied by human beings without the use of metal tools.

Excavations carried out in 1965 at the rock shelter of Iwo Eleru in Nigeria’s Ondo State threw light on this question.

A prolific late Stone Age industry was found, beginning around 10,000 BC and extending to1500 BC. Whether the site was in evergreen forest at the earlier date is discussed, but it certainly was at the later date.

A detailed classification of the lithic industry and of the pottery was made. There were no sudden breaks over time.

The entrance to the cave looks smaller as if it is a passage or a split part of the rock.

A peep into the cave revealed a dark hollow tunnel, but with the aid of an handset with full light, we entered the cave which we found out to our surprise can accommodate more than 30 people

‘This is where the Stone Age people lived in those days,” said Adewumi.

A close observation of the cave revealed that though the Stone Age people might be primitive, yet they lived in an organised setting. The cave seemed to be sound proof as we never realised that it was raining outside until we exited through the rear opening.

With the rains falling, we rushed back into the cave, a situation that allowed several discussions on the fate of the historical cave, the town and Nigeria.

According to Adewumi “If not for the rain, you could have been able to climb to the rock top to see evidences of the activities of these Stone Age people.”

Asking him what happened to other evidences found in the cave. Adewumi said “I cannot give a reasonable response to that. You can extract that information from the king.”

With excitement and enthusiasm, Oba Akinbobola welcome the team back to his palace “The Tribune, hope you were able to get what I told you?”

“Quite revealing, brazen in its historical significance and fascinating in its touristic contents and attraction,” TTM responded

Oba Akinbobola who revealed that some of the material evidences found at the sites were taken to Britain while some were once archived in Owo Museum, which got burnt. “However we still have some here in my palace.”

He expressed disappointments at the failure of government at all levels at enhancing the site. “We are not losing hope on this. I am not happy seeing this place in its rustic form. I have done all things humanly possible to alert all the governors that have ruled the state since I ascended the throne. The only glee of light is from the imcubent governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko who has extended facilities and infrastructure like light and clinic to the village closer to the cave and promised that his government would do something before the expiration of his tenure.”

Attesting to this, a call was put through to Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye, the newly appointed Special Adviser, Tourism and Culture to Governor Mimiko who confirmed, “It is a fact. Iwo Eleru Cave, Isarun is one of the tourism sites, which the governor has directed me to work on and see what we can do to enhance for visibility and traffic. I am taking an inventory of the tourism contents of all our tourism sites in Ondo State. Our team is visiting Iwo Eleru in a couple of weeks. You will certainly hear good story on this wonderful sites.”

Oba Akinbobola also revealed, “In anticipation of logistic and other demand that may arise in case the government at any level desiring to develop the site, I have acquired a large parcel of land to compensate those whose farm may be claimed by development.

“I bought several hectares some years ago. This is to show you that we, the people of Isarun are ready to support and contribute our own quota copiously to support the effort of which ever agency or government interested at developing this site.

“This is what has been our fate. Imagine a world-class historical evidence of evolution and social transformation hidden so poorly from enhancement and development? Imagine a place where world scholar, a white man hired helicopter to visit, worked hard, carried out rigorous excavation for months and found something which has illuminated global knowledge.

The findings also incited historical intellectual debate, reconstructed erroneous impression and odious view about evolution of humankind as related to West Africa since 1965 till date still reeling in infrastructural obscurity and development for socio-economic appreciation and sustainability.

Though Iwo Eleru, Isarun, a cave where Stone Age activities took place is located in Ondo State, yet, its relevance and import is not solely Ondo State’s. It calls for a collective efforts on all Nigerians government at all levels and corporate entities and international bodies interested in promotion of knowledge and preservation of historian

Tuesday 24 September 2019

See what an Ekiti man did with local mat
Made in Ekiti - Ado Ekiti
By an Ekiti - Mr Owoeye
From Ekiti - Eni Ipoti
My new pilot bag
JKF Cultural value rejuvenation.


..........powerec by Ekiti Council for Arts and Culture

Friday 20 September 2019

National Board for Technology Incubation visits Ekiti Arts and Culture Council... Showcases creative artists beneficiaries

        National Board for Technology Incubation visits Ekiti Arts and Culture Council
Showcases creative artists beneficiaries

The Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture has expressed its readiness to partner with National Board for Technology Incubation, Ado Ekiti Centre as part of its efforts to resuscitate the moribund Arts and Cultural sector for wealth creation and employment generation.
          Giving the assurance during a courtesy visit of the management staff of the centre to his office in Ado, the Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre disclosed that the Dr Kayode Fayemi led administration have put in place modalities for the enhancement of the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti people.
       Ojo Lanre hinted that government would not relent in its efforts at ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti is harnessed for economic gains and development, which informed the various steps taken by the council to identify talents, nurture and promote them to the limelight.
      In his submissions, the Centre Manager, Prince Bolaji Adejoro said the visit was to identify with the present administration's commitments towards the revival of the rich Ekiti cultural heritage, adding that the centre was a veritable institutional mechanism for commercialization of research development results.
      Prince Bolaji noted that the identification of talents in every human endeavour was germane and central to entrepreneur development, hence the need to synergize with the government as the centre runs integrated support programme designed to assist budding entrepreneurs in the development of new technology either in arts and crafts, both start-up and fledging.
      Speaking further, Bolaji added that the centre seeks to effectively link talents, technology, capital and know-how to leverage entrepreneurial talent in order to accelerate development and help in value reorientation by creating an environment and encourage personal initiative, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship as a way of improving the quality of lives of the people.
     He called on stakeholders in the arts and cultural sector to complement the efforts of government in this regard to ensure that western civilization did not erode the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti which if adequately harnessed will promote economic development, lead to wealth generation, enhance the creation of entrepreneurial culture, generate jobs, and upgrade of traditional technologies, among others.
    The occasion witnessed the exhibition of arts and crafts works such as table mat, hat, bags, adire

, natural honey among others.

 

   

Wednesday 18 September 2019

See the wonders of crafts in Ekiti
Ekiti got something to show
Made in Ekiti! Eni Ipoti /Ogotun on parade
See what we are doing with Ogotun/ Ipoti mat
...powered by Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture



Tuesday 17 September 2019

Entrepreneurship,
a weapon against poverty - Wale Ojo -Lanre tells Fed Poly , Ado Ekiti's delegation

 The Director-General, Ekiti. State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre has described Entrepreneurship as a potent instrument and weapon against poverty and wretchedness
Ambassador Ojo Lanre made this observation while hosting a delegate from the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Vocational Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti in his office yesterday.
 According to Dr Pius Odigbo, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Vocational Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, " we are here to intimate you of the activities of our Centre which is in tandem with the programmes of your Council. We have found your Council and your activities since your appointment as  not only laudable and commendable but those which we should not only align with but also form a purposeful  synergy which will be mutually beneficial to us and the society "
He pointed out that " Yes, we are to teach, train and equip our students with both the theory and practical aspects of entrepreneurial and vocational studies but the beauty should not end there. We are of the opinion that our duty must be extended beyond the confines of the wall of the institution by ensuring and extending the bridge of knowledge to the formal and informal sector where our trainees will ply their trade. And we have found the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture as one of the veritable and pragmatic bodies which we can align with. Thus  our visit to this Council and we are impressed by your warm and the awesome cultural reception accorded us "
In his response,  Ambassador Ojo- Lanre who commended the team for the visit said that entrepreneurship and vocational arts are the solutions to put at bay the multivarious indices of poverty, hunger, misery and underdevelopment
He pointed out that countries like China , Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea have their developments  rooted in entrepreneurship and vocational engagement
Ambassador Ojo - Lanre said that " We are happy that the few activities of the part of the vision of Dr John Kayode Fayemi in the arts and culture sector have been noticed by the egg heads inside the academic enclave."
He revealed that " I quite understood the import of having a synergy between the Council and the Academics that was why I paid courtesy visits to some education institutions which offer creative courses in the state the third month I resumed here. But I am happy today that your team which is also very essential to the empowerment scheme of the council is here "
Ambassador Ojo- Lanre revealed that " Your visit is not only appropriate but timely because your centre will be very useful in our forthcoming creative workshop"
He assured the Centre of absolute support and the immediate commencement of a symbiotic relationship between the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Vocational Studies of the Federal Polythecnic, Ado Ekiti
The DG who inspected some products of the Centre which were displayed in his office commended Dr Odigbo for superintending over a centre which produces quality products .

Monday 16 September 2019

Entrepreneur to build Performing Arts Academy in Ekiti State
. ..Gives 5 scholarship to indigenous musicians
.. Moves Camp Africa to Ikogosi
An international music entrepreneur and President , Tenstrings Music Institute, Lagos Mr Emmanuel Akapo has declared his intention of establishing a Performing Arts Academy in Ekiti State
Mr Akapo who owns the biggest music institute in Nigeria also announced that his Camp Africa conference, an annual congregation of 100 young Nigerians  music acts which has been scheduled to hold in a Beach Resort in Lagos will hold at Ikogosi Warm Doring Resort in October
Mr Akapo who also awarded music training  scholarship to 5 upcoming music acts of Ekiti state origin which include GMP  Gbenga Kayode made this revelation during his visit to the Director General , Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre at the State  Secretariat Ado Ekiti
Me Akapo thanked Ambassador Ojo - Lanre for luring him to Ekiti which enabled him to see " a unique state with unique topography, fascinating people and wonderful.raw performing and creative artists"
He disclosed that " This is my first time in Ekiti State.  I am grateful to  the Director General Wale Ojo Lanre for facilitating this. I also thank God for enabling me to see a state which has almost the same geographical configuration like The Wales , UK  , I am also dazed by seeing the Ikogosi Warm Spring Pool, the only such natural warm pool in Africa. I am also amazed when I got to the Arinta Waterfall in Ipole Iloro. I was fascinated at the sky of Ekiti which is unique from the sky of another state. Ekiti is the best state which my eyes have been fed with hills and rocks rolling together forming an unforgettable scenery in my optical library. I was compelled to alight from my car to fry Akara with the seller, take pictures of the Governor House from  Akute side, the foliage of the tick forest between Ilawe and Erinjiyan road and the ridge circumference at the parking lot of Arinta waterfall "
Mr Akapo who has trained 30000 musical arts from 13 countries in Lagos said his love for Ekiti hospital, environment and the aura of Governor Kayode Fayemi have led him to decide to locate the Performing Arts Academy in Ekiti State which will serve all South West States other than Lagos
He disclosed " my visit to Ikogosi Warm Spring and the posture of Chief Ayo Ademilua, Managing Director   made me cancel the hitherto venue of our Camp Africa to Ikogosi '
Gbenga Kayode popularly known as GMP one of the five beneficiaries of the music training scholarship commended Dr Kayode Fayemi for attracting good people to Ekiti State
He pointed out " this is one of my best days on Earth. Though I am a producer this is a man I have been dreaming to meet. It is a dream come true. Mr Akapo is the best musicologist in Nigeria. I am grateful to God for making this miracle come true "
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Mr Festus Abegunde, Director, Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe thanked Mr Akapo for his interest in Ekiti and for coming to add the value of purpose to Ekiti State
He commended the Director-General, Ambassador Ojo - Lanre for his robust sense of responsibility and service to this state

Read about the man who wants to establish Performing Arts Academy in Ekiti State

Entrepreneur to build Performing Arts Academy in Ekiti State
. ..Gives 5 scholarship to indigenous musicians
.. Moves Camp Africa to Ikogosi
An international music entrepreneur and President , Tenstrings Music Institute, Lagos Mr Emmanuel Akapo has declared his intention of establishing a Performing Arts Academy in Ekiti State
Mr Akapo who owns the biggest music institute in Nigeria also announced that his Camp Africa conference, an annual congregation of 100 young Nigerians  music acts which has been scheduled to hold in a Beach Resort in Lagos will hold at Ikogosi Warm Doring Resort in October
Mr Akapo who also awarded music training  scholarship to 5 upcoming music acts of Ekiti state origin which include GMP  Gbenga Kayode made this revelation during his visit to the Director General , Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre at the State  Secretariat Ado Ekiti
Me Akapo thanked Ambassador Ojo - Lanre for luring him to Ekiti which enabled him to see " a unique state with unique topography, fascinating people and wonderful.raw performing and creative artists"
He disclosed that " This is my first time in Ekiti State.  I am grateful to  the Director General Wale Ojo Lanre for facilitating this. I also thank God for enabling me to see a state which has almost the same geographical configuration like The Wales , UK  , I am also dazed by seeing the Ikogosi Warm Spring Pool, the only such natural warm pool in Africa. I am also amazed when I got to the Arinta Waterfall in Ipole Iloro. I was fascinated at the sky of Ekiti which is unique from the sky of another state. Ekiti is the best state which my eyes have been fed with hills and rocks rolling together forming an unforgettable scenery in my optical library. I was compelled to alight from my car to fry akara with the seller, take pictures of the Governor House from  Akute side, the foliage of the tick forest between Ilawe and Erinjiyan road and the ridge circumference at the parking lot of Arinta waterfall "
Mr Akapo who has trained 30000 musical arts from 13 countries in Lagos said his love for Ekiti hospital, environment and the aura of Governor Kayode Fayemi have led him to decide to locate the Performing Arts Academy in Ekiti State which will serve all South West States other than Lagos
He disclosed " my visit to Ikogosi Warm Spring and the posture of Chief Ayo Ademilua, Managing Director   made me to cancel the hitherto venue of our Camp Africa to Ikogosi '
Gbenga Kayode popularly known as GMP one of the five beneficiaries of the music training scholarship commended Dr Kayode Fayemi for attracting good people to Ekiti State
He pointed out " this is one of my best days on Earth. Though I am a producer this is a man I have been dreaming  to meet. It is a dream come true. Mr Akapo is the best musicologist in Nigeria. I am grateful to God for making this miracle come true "
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Mr Festus Abegunde, Director, Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe thanked Mr Akapo for his interest in Ekiti and for coming to add the value of purpose to Ekiti State
He commended the Director-General, Ambassador Ojo - Lanre for his robust sense of responsibility and service to this state


Friday 13 September 2019

Read what Olukere of Ikere Ekiti did at State Secretariat yesterday

     Olukere commends Fayemi over Olosunta festival
Visits Ekiti Council for Arts and Culture
The Olukere of Ikere,Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin has lauded the Dr. Kayode Fayemi led administration's efforts towards revamping and rejuvenating the Arts and Cultural heritage of Ekiti.
    The Royal father gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Council for Arts and Culture where he expressed gratitude for the supportive role exhibited by the council during the last Olosunta festival .
Kabiyesi Obasonyin said " my journey to this office is to physically express the gratitude of Olukere kingdom to Ekiti State Governor ,Dr Kayode Fayemi for the outstanding branding of  Olosunta Festival which was powered by the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture under the leadership of Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre. We have never had it so good and beautiful.  Thus our desire to be here and say thank you for a good job"

    Oba Obasoyin used the occasion to solicit for government assistance as regards the construction of a passage way to the Olosunta edifice which according to " is a compelling cultural heritage site which needs enhancement '
   In his response,the Director General of Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture ,Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre noted that the present administration was favourably disposed to enhancing and repackaging the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti to conform with international best practices and create employment opportunities in the process.
   Ojo Lanre said the uniqueness of Ekiti Cultural festivals deserves a right of place globally,and every efforts would be intensified towards achieving this goal.
   Olosunta festival is one out of the numerous cultural festivals that is celebrated annually and the festival has the capacity of attracting patronage from home and in abroad


Wednesday 11 September 2019

We’ll amplify Ekiti state value reorientation policy, collaborate with Arts and Culture Council – Oba Ajibade Alabi, Chairman Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers

We’ll amplify Ekiti state value reorientation policy, collaborate with Arts and Culture Council – Oba Ajibade Alabi, Chairman Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers
By 
Adewale Martins and Jeremiah Okonjo



The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti has promised to amplify and reinforce the cultural and value reorientation  policy of Dr John Kayode Fayemi as well as collaborate with Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture in its strides at promoting the cultural values of the State
The Alawe who made this promise while playing host to the delegation of Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture led by Ambassador Wale Ojo lanre in his palace in Ilawe described the second coming of Dr Fayemi as the Governor of Ekiti as messianic, timely and a preparatory providence aimed at luring Ekiti State back to the path of cultural rejuvenation and value resuscitation
 Oba Ajibade Alabi decried the rate at which the pristine Ekiti culture was being bastardised by those who are supposed to be flag bearers under the pretext of religiosity, rummaged by the present generation under the dose of globalization, vogue and civilization and exploited by the European for the enrichment and economic development of their countries.
He called on Ekiti indigenes both home and abroad to embrace, participate and brand the cultural festivals in their towns not only for entertainment but also as a means to stimulate wealth, tourism, development and harmonious cohabitation
The Alawe said “If we are not careful, we the Yoruba will be imported back to this country our own festivals, culture, ethics and value after we must have allowed it to perish and after which the Europeans who are preserving them now will  sell it back to us “
He recalled his experience in the Caribbean countries where he  served as a career diplomat how festivals like Ogun, Sango, Osun, were being venerated, enhanced, branded and celebrated with pomp and grand ceremonies but which ‘we the owners of these festivals are wishing them to go into oblivion “
The Chairman of Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers said “It is on this and other notes that I appreciate the conscious and determined efforts of Dr Kayode Fayemi’s policy of value reorientation  and  cultural rejuvenation “
Earlier, the Director – General, Ambassador Ojo – Lanre congratulated the Alawe of Ilawe for his emergence as the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and thanked him for his promise to engage and collaborate with Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture
In appreciating the Chairman of Obas Council in Ekiti, Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Alhaji Ganiyu Titilope Ibrahim described Alawe as a cosmopolitan traditional father whose the wealth of experience in the diplomatic circle and his vast global peregrination will be inestimable value added to Ekiti state cultural and traditional development
He informed that the Ekiti State Council of Arts and Culture would be paying another visit to the Council of Traditional rulers in respect of the incoming Ekiti State Arts and Cultural Expo, EKIFEST, scheduled for the month of December 2019.






  

Monday 9 September 2019

Fayemi’s cultural rejuvenation policy excellent – Chief Deji Fasuan

Fayemi’s cultural rejuvenation policy excellent – Chief Deji Fasuan
By
Jeremiah Okonjo and  Adewale Martins 
A nationalist and  Elder statesman, Chief Deji Fasuan has applauded  the Governor of Ekiti –State, Dr John Kayode Fayemi for his vision at bringing out a cultural policy aimed at reviving and resuscitating the pristine values, ethics, norms, mores, heritage and the tradition which  Ekiti is noted for.
Chief Fasuan, who is the Jagunmolu of Ekiti State and one of the foremost elders who worked earnestly for the creation of the State made this remark while taking the Director – General Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre on a tour of his house in Afao Ekiti after the celebration of Aeregbe Festival, on Saturday 7 September 2019.
 Chief Fasuan, who was the Chairman of the Festival and who occupied his seat at the venue fifteen minutes to the 12 o’clock noon of the commencement of the programme at the palace of   Alafao of Afao, pointed out that Governor Fayemi’s cultural policy is excellent, well initiated, as being implemented by the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture is serving as an elixir to the gradual   strangulation of the Yoruba tradition and culture.
He urged Governor Fayemi to lubricate, fasten and reinforce the framework and mechanism of his cultural policy for sustainable development and intergenerational perpetuation
Chief Fasuan commended    the Alafao of Afao, Oba Joseph Ademilua, his Chiefs and the people of the town for the promotion of the Odun Ijesu Oba, a hitherto private event of the Kabiyesi to a Community festival and called on the indigenes of the town to come home next years for a grand celebration of the festival
He disclosed that he has noticed a gradual positive change in the behavioural pattern of Ekiti people and the emerging cultural festivals revival in the state which means that the cultural policy launched by the Governor is working.
Chief Fasuan, while taking the Director-General and his entourage on the tour of his house, an eco-tourism enclave, revealed that his passion to ensure that the sustenance of the  culinary aspect of Ekiti cultural heritage prompted him to inaugurate “Breakfast in the Jungle “ a yearly event which is being hosted by him annually  in the month of December when over 300 Ekiti elders would converge on his house, cook, pound and eat pounded yam inside the jungle within his compound in Afao .
He disclosed that this year’s event would witness an innovation because ‘we shall admit and allow younger people to be part of the participants and be aware of the motive behind the culinary cultural event “
Ambassador Ojo – Lanre earlier in his speech at the palace of Alafao tasked the indigenes to embrace and promote the cultural festival in their town because of its ability to lubricate wealth, generate revenue and stimulate development
He assured them that Governor Kayode Fayemi has repositioned the Ekiti Council for Arts and Culture to brand these festivals and enhance cultural activities in the state for empowerment and development
Ambassador Ojo – Lanre thanked Chief Fasuan for the invitation to his eco-tourism enclave which he described as ‘ an awesome  cultural garden in Ekiti  painstakingly nurtured, groomed and tended  over the years by a rare Spartan Ekiti idol and leader, which  contains indigenous flora of cultural- tourism relevance  which must be kept for intergenerational relevance “




Friday 6 September 2019

See what is happening to Aso Oke in Ekiti State

Bring back our indigenous industries !Aso Oke is from Ekiti!
The loom. Ekiti has been making cloth before the European!
Director -General , Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture , Ambassador  Wale Ojo Lanre trying his hands on a local loom in his office during a meeting with Aso Oke weavers in Ekiti on Wednesday in his office .

     The resuscitation and enhancement of Ekiti traditional fabrics would be given priority as a way of sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti on the one hand and as a tool for providing employment for the unemployed teeming youths.
    The Director General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture,Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre made this disclosure while hosting weavers of traditional fabrics popularly known as"" Aso Oke


in his office in Ado.
    Ojo Lanre in his submissions maintained that the Dr Kayode Fayemi's led administration was committed to hunting the various talents in arts and culture with a view to promoting such and market them to the world for economic gains.
    "We should not allow our culture to be suppressed by western civilization, Ekiti is endowed with human and natural resources which is unique, we should not allow this to die but rather they should be identified and promoted for globalization, "he said.
  The indigenous traditional weaver, Mrs Agbaje Odunayo who demonstrated the process of weaving the attire lauded the present administration's efforts at rejuvenating the arts and cultural sector and called on the youths particularly the unemployed to embrace the opportunity at their disposal to improve their standard of living.
......... Powered by Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture

Thursday 5 September 2019

When Prostitutes kicked me out of their cubicle at Redlight District, Amsterdam By Wale Ojo Lanre


When  Prostitutes kicked me out of their cubicles  at Redlight District, Amsterdam

By Wale Ojo Lanre



2015.
MY Geography teacher, in Ansarudeen Grammar school, Ikare-Akoko Ondo State, in those days, Mr A Aboagye, A Ghanaian, stimulated my interest in Amsterdam.” This is one of the most wonderful cities in the world, it is a city planted below the sea level and has become a cynosure of all eye. It has a robust maritime trade, where cars are sold like sweets in the kiosks and a well-patronized Red Light District.”

 Inquisitively, I raised up my hand and I asked with excited  interest: “Sir, can you expatiate on what you mean by Red light district?” Mr Aboagye offered a   wry smile.  “A Red Light Zone or District can be likened to a place, for instance, the Central Hotel, where there are commercial sex workers. In Amsterdam though, it is better organized, The scarlet ladies dressed in eye-popping and sexually arousing apparels for quickies offer themselves for hire in the cubicle, “I was not so much interested in the geographical configuration of Amsterdam as stated by Mr Aboagye , Rather, cars and Red Light District endeared the place to me. I love car than the Lincoln continental was being used by the late Bobby Benson and I had seen some ladies too displaying themselves at the Central Hotel, Ikare, whenever we are having an outgoing. After that excitingly expository lesson and reference to Amsterdam, I pray to God to provide the opportunity and capacity of visiting Amsterdam of Red Light District one day. And to God be the glory, as the Royal Jordanian plane was descending smoothly from the air aiming to land at the Schiphol International Airport’s tarmac, I had a panoramic aerial view of Amsterdam and my mind riveted to the words of a geography teacher in form three, 1979:” Amsterdam is a wonderful city planted below the sea level. And it was so, I saw a beautiful, well-planned city and land sequestered for farm purposes, bordered by water so, at last, this is Amsterdam. The imagination official were people of few words, your purpose here is Amsterdam, sir?  I am one of the recipients of the Oodua Progressive Union Award here in Amsterdam I responded “Congratulations” The official stamped our passports. Schiphol Airport is more beautiful and grand masterpiece than Murtala Muhammed International Airport. It is bigger and grander in traffic and configurations. The Arrival Hall is made more busy, lively and entertaining with shops, restaurants, coffee kiosk and the network providers offering you free SIM cards and all of that. At the Airport, English seems to be a major communication medium but that was where the beauty stopped. In the city, only a few Dutch engaged you in English, so we had so difficulty in communicating in other nationals pending the arrival of the welcoming party of the Oodua progressive union at the Airport. As the Oodua of Akogun Banji Ojo and Otunba Larry Banbo alighted from their car to pick us, I made it clear to them that I must visit the red light zone or district or whatever. As a planned myself behind the driver’s seat, one member of the group noticed that I had not used the car belt, which he promptly urged me to do. “My brother, kindly fasten your belt at the back here, all of you must fasten the belt or else you will be fined. Having fasted my belt, Akogun Banji Ojo responded that “Yes, you will visit the district but Amsterdam is beyond the Red light district. “My brother, Holland is a small country which has turned itself into an economic determinant of Europe in maritime, agriculture and oil. “You will not believe that it is not a crude oil producer, but strategically designed itself to control its circulation of crude oil over the world. It produces Heineken Beer, Hollandia Milk, medical boat, Phillips, its own shell, AB Ambo and several other. You will be surprised at the kind of political system in operation here. Instead of the winner take all which we operate in Nigeria here. It is an all-inclusive formation where no winner of any election can be sworn in without a tacit agreement with his opponent on what program to be implemented” Akogun Ojo continued. At this, I chuckled: “what, are you kidding me? I Asked explained.

The winner and loser must agree on a project to be implemented, and unless the loser appends his signature in agreement, no dice for the winner, Akogun pointed out. No wonder, Holland enjoys a blissful political climate which paves the way for all-round development of the country, mutual understanding civility in governance, all which cultivate respect and regard to it at the comity of nations “I responded, “you have seen or heard nothing yet’ Akogun informed.  “you know too that this city is built on reclaimed land as everywhere is sand-filled to pave way for all you are seeing now, yet there has not been any history of erosion or sea surge, “Akogun continued, as we passed beside a big mosque at the kranenest Area, while heading for tulip inn, riverside south-east. He explained further: “Holland has a liberal approach to religion. That mosque was built by the government for the Muslims, while churches are donated to those desire congregation and the Surinamese practice their traditional belief. Can you see that statue planted at the back of that building? That is the shrine of Yemoja here. Everyone to his belief. Adding to my excitement about Amsterdam was the fact that some of the cars running on the roads are powered by electrical means! I was intrigued by seeing several people taking a turn at a particular point in krannest to plug a cable to their cars every day when a particular spot is not a filling station. “That is charging point of cars,” Otunba Bambo revealed.   “Is it the new way of charging car batteries? I inquired “No, those brands of car are powered by electric, he informed. My lips dropped powered by electric? “I asked again; My brother, that is the in – thing here. I then moved closer and took two shot photograph of the cars on the queue at the charging point. But this is a signal to those countries who rely solely on crude oil as revenue earner that the market for their product is shrinking slowly. Amsterdam is a weird, highly cosmopolitan city thronged by tourists, mariners, businessmen, investors, researchers and particularly a rendezvous for men of the stick who take delight in smoking marijuana and frolicking with ladies of the Red Light District, as the country has legalised, regulated and promoted prostitution, as well as declaring Holland as marijuana –compliant country. Hence, the tourism and hospitality industry is elegantly robust, fully developed, highly patronised and expensive. Hotel reservation has to be made days ahead as the demands for bed spaces exceed supply. Touring Amsterdam was an exciting and an evergreen experience as the city has much to offer in terms of historical edifice, culinary centres, museums and monuments, transportation relics, sex shops, gay bars, pewee sho, malls, plaza and smoking cafe. It is a city which wakes up but never sleeps, and the Red Light District offers a delightful sight and experience of a nation making the best out of a somewhat filthy and dirty social menace. With Otunba Bambo, we crossed the Dam square at the centre of Amsterdam to The Wallen, also known as the Rosse burst to Amsterdammers and the Red Light District to visitors. The Wallen, the first thing I noticed was the way the iron bars, which are used to demarcate the place from the canal, were fixed. The bars were penis-shaped, painted in red, just to tell whoever is observant that “here there is sexual business and nothing more”. And indeed it was. The government of Holland understands that two things are very essential to its citizens after the basic amenities and facilities which are in place: smoke and sex. And it aligns with the wishes of the people by legalizing smoking and weeds or marijuana or Indian hemp and making sex business very alluring and attractive. At the Red Light District, there was no hiding behind the veil, which vividly showcased that sex business was a serious business there. The ladies there were half-naked and inside a glass cubicle, waiting for you to come in and do the business of the flesh, with a price tag of 50 Euros, which, to a few of us, outrageous. Lovely beauties with good skin, shapes and curves. All of them were very tempting, seductive, delectable and alluring, making the son of man drool endlessly.

An attempt to have a dialogue with one of the ladies, a Dutch, behind the Bulldog cafe, was rebuffed strongly. According to Otunba Bambo, “some of these ladies detest having Nigerians and Ghanaians as patrons because they claimed that our people are always under the influence of local gins before coming here and they cannot withstand their sex agility. Hence, her stiff hostility,” Moving further down the corner, we saw some pleasant ones gazing at us seductively and a dialogue ensued between one of the ladies.

                “Babe, what is the fare”

                “Just 50 Euros,”

                That’s on the high side. Can’t pay 50, I give 40?

                “Right, I love your physique.

                “Got only 30 euro babe”

                “Phew, ok, come in it is just a shot of around.”

                “But, can you bear 15 euro?”

                 “Bull shit, go home and f**k your mama.”

                She slammed the door in my face.

I paced to the place where Otunba Bambo had taken refuge to watch my adventure. ‘It was no deal.” I told him. He shrugged his shoulders and said; “At last, you have seen it all. You have fulfilled your dream. This is the place called Amsterdam. This is the Red Light District which many dreamt of and scrambled to get to either to fulfil their curiosity or satisfy their passion.” And for me, I satisfied my curiosity, fulfilled my dream but couldn’t oil my passion. As we boarded the Metro en route my hotel, I cast a look back at the Red Light District, Amsterdam, Holland, and I promised to certainly come back again.