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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Africans to be united for global advancement through conscious re-enactment of cultural values and beliefs.
Obasanjo made the call during a visit by the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Ms Oluwabunmi Amao, on Monday at his residence in Abeokuta.
This is contained in a statement released by Amao.
The former president who reiterated his support for the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of Festival for Arts and Culture (FESTAC”77), said that the festival was a beautiful one and there is great need for pan-Africanism to be kept alive.
”There is need for Africans to be united for global advancement.
This should be the essence of the forthcoming festival, meant to commemorate the 45th anniversary of FESTAC”77.
” For Africa to achieve certain goals, the glory and beauty inherent in their different cultures must be dynamically harnessed and exported to different countries of the world.
” When these cultures are fully recognised overseas, more openings would be paved easily for several other Africans to preach their creativities at a global level,” he said.
Obasanjo recounted with nostalgia the events of FESTAC ’77, 45 years ago as the Head of State to the host country, Nigeria.
He commended CBAAC for doing an excellent work in keeping the spirit of Pan-Africanism alive by revisiting the glorious era of Nigeria epitomised by FESTAC”77.
He said he yearned for future celebrations that would bring the black and African people together as he was of belief that the commemoration would do that in so many ways than envisaged.
Consequently, he suggested partnership and collaborations among countries, international cultural organisations, especially the African Union and other stakeholders as a way of recreating the festival.
He expressed enormous appreciation to CBAAC for always keeping the memories of the FESTAC”77 alive through their various programmes.
He said he was glad that FESTAC”77 had now become a part of the African history that can never be erased.
He noted that he had observed that the festival was and is still the best Pan-African gathering ever, even though it was held 45 years ago.
Earlier, Amao said the visit was necessitated as part of plans to intimate the former President about the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of FESTAC”77 as organised by CBAAC.
” We are here to invite you to the event and solicit for your support through your wide and far reaching network.
” We are optimistic of an extensive participation and we believe your involvement would make a huge difference in the eventual execution of the programme,” she said.
Amao presented a cropped life size image of Chief Obasanjo who was then a Lieutenant General during FESTAC”77 with ten volumes colloquium on “The Arts, Culture and Civilidation of Black and African People” by the CBAAC director-general and the other members of her delegation.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Clara Pulido-Escandell, has partnered with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) for the 45th anniversary commemoration of FESTAC”77.
The Director-General of CBAAC, Ms Oluwabunmi Amao, in a statement quoted Pulido-Escandell as saying this when the CBAAC team went on an advocacy visit to the embassy.
The commemoration of the 45th anniversary of FESTAC”77 is slated to hold from Dec. 5 to Dec. 11 in Abuja, by CBAAC, the organiser.
Pulido-Escandell said that the Cuban Government through its mission in Nigeria would support CBAAC for a successful festival.
The Diplomat, who reminisced on the gains of FESTAC”77, reiterated that there were numerous similarities between culture and that of Cuba especially in terms of food, drums and dressing.
“FESTAC”77 is equally our own, we are duty bound to not just participate but to support this celebration,” Pulido-Escandell said.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has given his royal blessings to the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) for the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of FESTAC”77.
The commemoration of the festival held in 1977, has been slated for Dec. 5 to Dec. 11 in Abuja, by CBAAC, the organiser.
Ms Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General, CBAAC, stated this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
Oba Ewuare during CBAAC’s visit to his palace on Thursday assured of his support for the festival.
He said that though the timing for the commemoration ceremony had coincided with the celebration of the popular Igueh Festival in Benin.
He, however, promised to send a good representative.
The traditional ruler said that he would consult with his chiefs on how best to further support the centre toward the success of the event.
He noted that he was a direct descendant of the great queen mother Idia as he further expressed his commitment to the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Benin, particularly the Benin language.
The Oba who was a diplomat, narrated to the admiration of his visitors how he promoted African cultural heritage at different fora in Europe, America and all the places he visited during his service years.
Earlier, Amao appreciated the oba for the warm reception accorded her and her team.
She said that the visit was in recognition of the role of traditional institution in cultural preservation, promotion and propagation as well as to solicit the support of the traditional institution in Nigeria.
According to her, the participation of the traditional institutions was key as they are the custodians of the African culture and ensuring that they play active role at FESTAC”77 at 45 anniversary.
Amao said in recognition of the significant role of the Benin traditional institution, and as the birthplace of the emblem of FESTAC”77, she came with her team to pay homage to the kingdom.
She said the visit was also to seek the traditional leader’s support for the overall success of the commemoration of the festival.
The director-general appealed to the oba to reach out to other traditional rulers in the country to be part of the event.
She said CBAAC would be pleased to have the Benin traditional troupe perform at the festival, as well as the Guild of Bronze Casters to exhibit their good works.
According to her, the event will witness attendance of the various diplomatic missions and their communities in Nigeria as part of their cultural bilateral relations with the country.
She noted that the festival would feature events like cultural parade; arts, crafts, antiquities exhibitions; performances in dance, poetry and music; food fair; fashion show and exhibition; colloquium; award and cultural variety night.
Amao informed the oba of his nomination by CBAAC for an award as the “Most Outstanding Traditional Ruler” for promoting arts and culture, which would be conferred on him at the festival award night.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) has urged Nigerians to embrace peace and jettison all tribal, religious and political sentiments.
Its Director-General, Ms Oluwabunmi Amao, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos, said it was important to embrace peace at this stage of national development.
Amao said as Nigerians continued to mark the 62nd independence anniversary, everyone must reassess themselves on their contributions to national peace and harmony.
She advised Nigerians to make national peace their hallmark and always champion this cause at all times.
“It is the 62nd independence anniversary of our great nation, Nigerians are advised to ignore all forms of religious, political and tribal sentiments which has pulled us apart over the years.
“We should see one another as brothers and sisters, our peace should be paramount to us as a nation,” she said.
Amao noted that without conscious efforts to imbibe peaceful co-existence and brotherly love, the nation would continue to suffer underdevelopment.
She said individuals regardless of their tribe should engage in cultural integration and diplomacy which would accelerate the development process of the nation.
“An Igbo man should consciously take cuisines from the Hausa and Yoruba ethnic group and vice versa; same is applicable to languages, we all should aspire to be multi-lingua, this has lots of benefits for individuals and the nation in general.
“Christians should see the Muslims as good neighbours and brothers, we should not give room for religious, political and tribal discord among us,” she said.
According to Amao, CBAAC has been working tirelessly in ensuring that the nation remains united with different programmes designed for such purpose.
She said one of the programmes was the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of FESTAC”77, slated to hold from Dec. 5 to Dec. 11, in Abuja.
She explained that the festival would attract different nations across the globe exhibiting their cultures.
She said this would create more understanding among citizens across nations, thereby fostering peace and harmony.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has partnered with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) to host the 45th anniversary of the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC “77).
Prof. Abba Tijani, Director-General, NCMM, said this when he received the CBAAC team in his office on Wednesday in Abuja.
Tijani, in a statement, said the partnership would entail staging an exhibition at the cultural festival at no cost to CBAAC.
He also appointed the Director of Museums, NCMM, to work hand-in-hand with CBAAC for the actualisation of the proposed programme.
“Exporting the richness of black and African arts, culture, heritage and values beyond the shores of the continent should be of utmost importance to all and sundry.
“At this point in time, taking cognisance of the fact that the oil boom era has finally faded is important.
“It is a known fact that majority of the first and second world countries have over time been harnessing different aspects of their culture to create economic gains and wealth for their citizenry.
“It is high time Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the black communities followed suit,” he said.
Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General, CBAAC, said the aim of the visit was to intimate NCMM of CBAAC’s plan to commemorate the 45th anniversary of FESTAC”77.
Amao noted that the cultural festival was scheduled to hold at the Eagles Square and International Conference Centre in Abuja from December 5 to December 11.
According to her, the expertise of NCMM will be highly appreciated in the area of exhibitions.
She said most especially in showcasing the arts and rich cultural heritage of the black and African people, as well as those that resonate with the celebrations, festivals of arts and culture from different parts of Africa.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The News Agency of Nigeria says it will partner with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) through advocacy, ahead of the 45th Anniversary of the international festival, FESTAC ’77.
The Managing Director of NAN, Mr Buki Ponle, stated this when the Director-General of CBAAC, Mrs Oluwabunmi Amao, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
Ponle said the Agency would support the commemoration of the Festival of Black, Arts and Culture of 1977 at 45 (FESTAC ’77 @ 45) in ensuring awareness creation to the world and black race.
NAN reports that FESTAC ’77 @ 45, organised by CBAAC, will hold in Abuja from Dec. 5 to 11, to showcase to the world African music, fine arts, literature, drama, dance and religion.
Ponle said, “I will give assurance that we shall fully involve in the FESTAC 77 @ 45. Whatever we can do in the areas of advocacy and sensitisation, we can do it for you.
“It is not only for you but for our country and the black race in general.
“Once again, thank you very much for making us part of the memorable history.
We cherish that our honour will hold in high esteem to the grand success of that occasion.
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He recalled that CBAAC had been made the custodian of artifacts for FESTAC in 1977, adding that these artefacts were showcased on that memorable occasion.
Ponle described culture as the hallmark of any development in any country, saying that “culture promotes our common identity; It binds us together and tells a lot of history about us”.
According to him, CBAAC should promote this cultural indicator and continue to preserve the nation’s heritage.
Earlier, Amao, said that the visit was to seek NAN’ support on its upcoming FESTAC ’77 @ 45 anniversary slated to hold in Abuja.
“Why we are here today?
We need your support; We know you are our sister agency; We need the support of NAN seriously for exhibition because we are to create space to showcase yourself.
“We need you to help us with jingles and anything you think of coming in to collaborate with us.
So, that is why we are here,’’ Amao said.
She said that the purpose of the international festival was to promote culture and revive FESTAC ’77 to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.
“This festival is not something that should be laid there and we should just be watching it.
We need to encourage cultural activities.
“So, we are starting with the 45th Anniversary until we get to 50 years to do a really big one like that of 1977.
“But due to COVID-19, we cannot do as big as the one we did in 1977. What we have done is that we have written letters to all the embassies because they have a community in Nigeria.
“Fortunately, we have been getting good response; they have been telling us what they are going to do and where they are going to participate because we have exhibition and food fair.
“We are going to do parade, fashion show and masquerade.
So, we decided to use the Eagle Square and the International Conference Centre, both in Abuja,’’ the CBAAC boss said.
NAN reports that FESTAC ’77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was a major international festival held in Lagos, from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, 1977.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) says it will hold the commemoration of the Festival of Black Arts and Culture of 1977 at 45 (FESTAC ’77 @ 45) by using culture to revamp the nation’s economy.
The Director-General of CBAAC, Mrs Oluwabunmi Amao, said this on Sunday in while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
NAN reports that FESTAC ’77 @ 45, organised by CBAAC, will hold in Abuja from Dec. 5 to 11, to showcase to the world African music, fine arts, literature, drama, dance and religion.
Amao added that FESTAC ’77 @ 45 also aimed at reviving culture to contribute its quota in diversifying the nation’s economy from oil earnings.
“Our children and youths need to know what culture is actually all about.
To me, tourism and culture can revive our economy.
“We should not only just sit down and say oil and petroleum.
Now, how much are they selling petrol?
There is need to revive our culture, farming and agriculture.
“Let us start thinking of what will revamp our economy.
I know culture is one of what we are talking about,” CBAAC chief said.
She said that after the FESTAC of 1977, the centre deemed fit to start putting what it did in 1977 should be doing every year.
“Let all the other countries come together to showcase their culture in terms of foods, fashion and a lot of things that have to do with culture.
“The event will attract all the African blacks all over the world.
I mean blacks in America, Brazil, Cuba, Ethiopia and others.
“But what we are doing this time around because of COVID-19, we are using their community here in Nigeria.
All of them, they have embassies.
“Ambassadors have already agreed to be part of this occasion.
We are going to use their community to showcase something similar to FESTAC ’77.
“Instead of bringing them from their main countries, there is no money to do that now but we can achieve the same thing by using their communities here in Nigeria,” she said.
According to her, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs is involving in what we are doing.
That encourages all the embassies to participate and to be part of what we are doing.
“We are going to have exhibition stands for all people who want to showcase their arts work and handcrafts, especially people that are doing Aso, Adire and Kete from Ghana, they are coming to showcase.
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NAN recalls that FESTAC ’77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was a major international festival held in Lagos, from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, 1977.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) says it has established a Hall of Fame in Abuja to showcase the achievements of Festival of Black Arts and Culture of 1977 (FESTAC ’77).
The Director-General of CBAAC, Mrs Oluwabunmi Amao, said this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
NAN reports that FESTAC ’77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was a major international festival held in Lagos, from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, 1977.
Amao said all heads of nations, including artistes and non artistes, from 59 countries who participated in the international festival were showcased in the Hall of Fame.
“We have opened a Hall of Fame in Abuja, to showcase what happened in FESTAC ’77.
“In that memorable occasion, all the leaders of the 59 countries participated.
The artistes that performed from Nigeria and non artistes from other countries, you will see everything there.
“Schools, universities, children have started coming to visit the place,” said the CBAAC DG.
According to her, the Centre has started doing something similar in Lagos State, which will represent South-West.
“The one in Abuja will represent Northern zone.
Fortunately, we have a branch office in Calabar.
So, we have started that too.
“I will encourage everybody to come and see first the one we did in Abuja,” she said.
The director-general, who described the Hall of Fame as a tourist centre, said each visitor would pay N500 to have access to the Hall of Fame.
“We just opened it in August last year.
It is in the Federal Secretariat, Head of Service, third floor, Room 303.
“We also have a library there because we do publications.
We have everything to showcase there,” she said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
FESTAC”77 at 45: VON pledges to support CThe Voice of Nigeria (VON) has pledged to support the Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC) in the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the Festival of Arts and Culture held in 1977.
VON’s Director-General, Mr Osita Okechukwu, made the pledge at a meeting with Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General, CBAAC, who was on a courtesy visit to VON office on Thursday, in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement by Amao on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 45th commemoration of FESTAC”77 has been slated to hold from Dec. 5 to Dec.11, with the theme “Celebrating Black and African Arts and Civilisation, Reliving the Memories of FESTAC”77”.
Okechukwu said that the two agencies share similar mandates which scored a high point for CBAAC’s voice to be heard on a global platform such as VON.
He assured the CBAAC team of his organisation’s full support and participation.
He promised that the event would be publicised in different languages as VON would also work toward creating a portal for CBAAC on its official website.
Earlier, Amao said her visit to VON was orchestrated by the need to intimate the organisation of the plans by CBAAC to host FESTAC’77 @ 45 and to request for VON’s partnership and collaboration toward a successful outing.
Sh, however, sought VON’s support to project the event to the world at large from the planning stage to the eventual execution in December.
Okechukwu in company of members of his management board had also paid a visit to the Centre’s Black and African Hall of Fame, where he was warmly received by Amao and some other members of staff.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
FESTAC “77: Film Corporation pledges support to CBAAC for 45th commemoration
Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) with Dr Chidia Madueke, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) during a meeting in Abuja< Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has pledged to support the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) for the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the Festival for Arts and Culture (FESTAC “77).
Dr Chidia Madueke, Managing Director, NFC, in a statement expressed the corporation’s willingness to partner with CBAAC for the successful hosting of FESTAC “77 45th anniversary slated to hold in December.
Madueke spoke at a meeting held with the Director-General, CBAAC, Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, on Monday, in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the festival which will hold from Dec.5 to Dec.11 in Abuja, has the theme, “Celebrating Black and African Arts and Civilisation, reliving the memories of FESTAC”77@45”.
Madueke said that the intending collaborations between the two parastatals which he viewed as a giant developmental stride was not only beneficial for Nigerians but the African continent.
He expressed how much in awe he was of Amao’s enthusiasm, gusto and efforts in turning things around positively for both organisations by initiating such a strategic collaboration with the NFC.
He explained that CBAAC and NFC already had interfaces in times past, like the 1975 movie production titled ‘Shehu Umar’, produced by the NFC and showcased during FESTAC “77.
According to him, the production of the film was as a result of collaboration with the German Government which eventually gave birth to the Nigerian Film Institute.
He said in view of this, NFC would support by producing a similar movie basically for the commemoration of FESTAC “77 @45.
He also promised that Durban movies would be part of the exhibitions to be displayed at the event in December.
Earlier, Amao intimated Madueke of CBAAC’s activities for the forthcoming event and alerted on areas through which the NFC could partner with the Centre toward having a successful programme.
According to her, CBAAC has continued to play crucial role in making Nigeria the arrowhead in the presentation, preservation, promotion and propagation of African cultural heritage.
She said in the fulfilment of such a huge mandate, it had become imperative for the centre to extend a warm hand of fellowship to sister parastatals in the Ministry with almost similar roles of uplifting the African culture.
She noted that this would not only strengthen the ties between them, but would aid their successes as a team.
She further requested for NFC’s partnership in planning of a film exhibition at the event, production of video jingles for the programme, support with multi-media services and event coverage.
Amao also requested to have Madueke, function as one of the speakers at the colloquium to commemorate FESTAC”77@45.
She also made it known that CBAAC would present NFC with an exhibition booth to aid the propagation of their expertise and public relations at the event.
(nannews.
ng)
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
