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U.S. Arts Envoy Thrills Nigerian Audiences in Cultural Diplomacy Visit

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Through cultural diplomacy, the United States shares the best of the U.S. creative and arts community with Nigerian audiences to celebrate shared values and promote collaboration, bringing our two nations closer together through music, art, film, and education.

From March 13 to 23, visiting U.S. Arts Envoy and classical pianist, Pauline Yang, played to packed houses, taught emerging and established musicians through masterclasses, and interviewed with leading national media outlets across Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan.

Pauline performed American, European, and Mexican piano compositions to over 1,000 guests who enjoyed a world class classical concert at the Chief of Mission Residence in Abuja, Consul General Residence in Lagos, Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos, and at the Manhattan Hall in Ibadan.

Her selection of pieces included a delightful mix of composers, styles, and eras from the piano literature featuring works by Bach, Scarlatti, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Liszt, and Bolcom.

To begin each of her concerts, Pauline performed Sicilienne, an original orchestral piece by the famous French composer Gabriel Faure, with Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard on flute.

Pauline gave an impressive performance of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11, an exciting piece considered quite complex and challenging. Her rendition of the piano piece elicited wide applause from audiences across the three cities.

During one of her media interviews, Pauline explained to students that U.S. universities encourage musicians to double major in a subject outside of music. She described what prospective Nigerian students can expect in terms of curriculum and opportunities for studying music in the United States.

“It has been so wonderful for me to see and feel the warmth of the Nigerian people.” Pauline said. “I am so lucky to be here in Nigeria on behalf of the U.S. Department of State as an Arts Envoy. My experience has been nothing short of amazing.”

Pauline’s passion for music and desire to share knowledge with aspiring young artists, as well as her passion to explore other cultures, resulted in tremendous appreciation from music students, arts enthusiasts, Nigerian cultural leaders, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.

Her cultural diplomacy visit to Nigeria was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with support from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

The Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, in Abuja and Lagos, support programs that bring American cultural leaders to Nigeria to meet, exchange ideas and collaborate with Nigerian cultural leaders.

Through these people-to-people connections, the U.S. Mission hopes to foster a deeper relationship between the people of Nigeria and the United States.

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TGMAAN Celebrates Veteran Actor Kola Olaiya with Premiere of Baba 70

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The Golden Movie Ambassadors Association of Nigeria (TGMAAN) will honor legendary actor Kola Olaiya with the premiere of his latest film, Baba 70, on November 10, 2024. The star-studded event will take place at Alinco Cinema, 1 Akibu Adeniji Street, Jankara, Ojokoro, Lagos, with the red carpet commencing at 4 p.m.

Baba 70 is a gripping drama that centers around a power-hungry landlord, who, after being the first to build and settle in a newly established estate, terrorizes the residents, insisting on being the lifetime chairman of the estate. His tyrannical rule is enforced through manipulative tactics and the use of juju (ritual power) to control the people around him. However, the landlord’s reign of fear comes to an end when the source of his power—his son—dies, exposing his vulnerabilities and ultimately leading to his downfall.

TGMAAN, established 10 years ago, is a professional association of film industry professionals, with Veteran actor, Saidi Balogun as President, Dr Afeez Oyetoro as Vice President, Dr Joke Muyiwa as Treasurer, Tunde Olaoye, a notable director, as Public Relations Officer and Moji Oyetayo (Mama Ajasco) as the Business and Branding Officer. The premiere of Baba 70 is one of the activities marking the 10th year anniversary of the association.

The premiere of Baba 70 is a significant moment for TGMAAN, as it brings together the Nigerian film industry to celebrate the life and career of Kola Olaiya, one of the most respected figures in Nollywood. Ambassador Saidi Balogun, the president of TGMAAN, emphasized the importance of honoring movie legends while they are still alive.

“We believe in celebrating our icons when they are with us, not just after they are gone. Kola Olaiya is one of the pioneers of Nigerian cinema, and his contribution to the growth and development of the industry, both on and off the screen, is immeasurable,” Balogun said in a statement.

“Through his work, he has not only entertained millions, but has also paved the way for many young actors and filmmakers to follow their dreams. This premiere is a tribute to his enduring legacy in Nollywood.”

Kola Olaiya’s career spans several decades, during which he has earned recognition for his remarkable acting range, his contributions to the growth of Nigerian cinema, and his mentorship of emerging talent. His versatility has seen him play a wide range of roles in both television and film, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Baba 70 promises to be a testament to Olaiya’s career, featuring a compelling story that explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked authority. The premiere event will be attended by key industry players, celebrities, and fans, all coming together to celebrate a man whose work has significantly influenced Nollywood’s rise as a global force in the entertainment world.

In addition to the film’s debut, the event will also feature performances and speeches, providing a platform for the Nigerian film community to appreciate Olaiya’s tremendous impact. The evening will serve as a reminder of the important role that seasoned actors and filmmakers like Olaiya continue to play in shaping the future of Nigerian cinema.

For Balogun and TGMAAN, the Baba 70 premiere is not just about a movie release, but about recognizing the contributions of the individuals who have built the foundation of Nollywood and celebrating them while they are still with us.

As the red carpet event approaches, excitement is building in anticipation of an unforgettable evening that will honor the life, work, and legacy of one of Nollywood’s true legends, Kola Olaiya.

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Rising Gospel Star Sade Ajayi set to Take the Industry by Storm

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Sade Ajayi is not only   devoted Christian but a  gospel music minister  and a lover of ministerial affairs  that has been doing music for quite some years but has now decided to raise the bar as she is set to unveil her fresh single titled Ore Ofe (Grace).

The melodious single which has an infusion of danceable praise medley is set to drop on the 15th  November 2024 across all platforms for good music lovers.

In her words, she expressed her excitement while anticipating the release of her official single

She stated that the song is a reflection of her personal walk with Christ, where she has experienced his unending grace as inscribed in the lyrics.

 

“By His grace, I have been saved through Christ who strengthens me. This truth has brought peace to my life, and I hope it resonates with everyone that will be touched by my song’’ The Ekiti State born singer said.

 

She further said explained that in the midst of life’s chaos, GRACE is a reminder of the peace and salvation we found in God’s love.

‘’It’s not just a song—it’s a message from my heart to the world as an invite to us all to return to the grace of Christ” She added.

 

 

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World Tourism Day 2024: Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah Invests billions into World Class Tourism Centres

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-Story by Joy Agamah

 

As part of the efforts to drive tourism in Enugu state, Governor Peter Mbah has invested billions of naira in the state tourism sector.

The investment is part of the broader plan to beautify the state as well as upgrading the parks and develop numerous projects in the tourism sector across the state.

The program, according to the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame  Rita Mbah, is part of the state’s strategy to key in into this year’s world tourism day theme to promote the connection between tourism and peace

“So, by preserving our cultural and natural heritage we can reduce tension and nurture peaceful co-existence,” Mbah said.

She explained that the state government recently commenced the first stage of Enugu city beautification project from the Enugu gateway at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

She hinted that the state government removed the barricades at the airport gate and replaced them with modern security cameras to give tourists and visitors to the city a peaceful feeling as they arrive the state.

‘’We are also creating and improving the ambience at our airport gateway by introducing art murals which depict our cultural heritage with welcoming works of art and photos of some of our landmarks.

‘’Moving from the Airports, the capital territory is working towards ensuring that we have a welcoming view by removing unnecessary items that create eye sore. The ministry of environment is also working towards making sure that our green areas are maintained,’’ She stated.

Speaking further, Mbah said that the tourism board is almost done with the first phase of the city beautification and roundabout scheme.

‘’We are upgrading about 13 roundabouts in the first phase, planting flowers and upgrading our parks.

“We would discuss the upgrade of the parks. We are also looking at one some major projects that would enhance tourism in Enugu.

“Also, on the card are the development of the International conference centre, the development of a 5-Star Hotel, development of Hotel Presidential, and the development of a 300-bed hospital for medical tourism.”

According to her, when completed these projects have the capacity to put Enugu on the global tourism map.

‘’For example, the international conference centre would cater to many conferences within Africa and Nigeria. When people come for conferences, the 5- 5tar hotel will come in handy because of its proximity to the conference centre within the same vicinity.

“Not only that, the International conference centre also houses an amusement park; a theater; event centre and retail shops. So, the centre serves as a one stop shop for tourism activities.’’

Dame Mbah also disclosed that the state government recently awarded a contract for the development of five recreation parks across the state. They include the Edward Nnaji Park, Unity park, Ejindu Park, Ngwo Park and Eze park.

’The Edward Nnaji park will house a state of the art game arcade, amusement and water park, while the other four parks will be equipped with football pitches, five aside pitches, basketball court, lawn tennis court, quad bike arena, horse rides, kiddies recreation and fun equipment.

She also hinted that the state government is taking the annual Unity Christmas park to a whole new level.

‘’The metal fabrication for this year’s Christmas park started over a fortnight ago with over 30 indigenous welders working day and night to create a memorable Christmas fun for all.

‘’With all these projects and over 1,000 projects going on at the same time in Enugu State, I am proud to say that indeed we handed over our future to a governor that understands the assignment and he has continually proved to us that indeed tomorrow is here,’’ she added.

 

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