•Ikpe redefines advocacy
By CHARLES KUMOLU
WONDERFUL! This nine-letter word best captures the feelings evoked, seeing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Oguwunsi, at the Nigerian Music Video Awards,NMVA.

Beholding the revered traditional ruler, statesmen and leading entertainers on stage was such a breathtaking sight. And it suggested that the forum was not just an every day kind of event.

From left: Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and Kenny Ogungbe at NMVA/Violence Free World Project in Lagos

Indeed, it was an occasion beyond the ordinary; it was  a platform where royalty, diplomacy, intellectualism and entertainment converged.

Those familiar with the path the custodian of the Yoruba race had taken since assuming the throne of his forbearers,  would not find it difficult understanding why tradition, diplomacy and entertainment seamlessly merged at the occasion.

With the harmonious existence of Nigerians being of uttermost concern to him, the Ooni has  never left anyone in doubt about his dreams of a nation where there is hope for everyone.

This resolve, which has in many remarkable ways  put the Ooni in tune with the 21st  century realities of traditional leadership, is manifesting through  his innovative projects.

One of such projects is the Violence-Free World Project,VFWP –an initiative of the convener of NMVA, Mr. Cally Ikpe, and endorsed by the monarch’s House of Oduduwa Foundation.

The novel partnership has seen the Ooni hosting top celebrities in his palace where they were made ‘Peace Ambassadors’ in consonance with the advocacy against violence.

At the event, which was one of the activities that preceded the annual NMVA, Tuface Idibia, Gbenga Adeyinka and Ikpe, among others, were made ‘Peace ambassadors’.

The reason for the choice of awardees, Sunday Vanguard learnt, was because of their appeal to the youths, who are handy instruments of violence in the country.

Such gesture was largely demonstrative of the fact that  Ogunwusi is concerned about youth involvement in violence- a situation he believes has been worsened by lack of employment opportunities.

It was even on that strenght that  he did not hesitate to embrace the project which now operates under his Foundation.

The revered monarch, therefore, holds nothing back in helping to stem this tide. Interestingly, he was recorded as the first guest for the Violence Free World Show, VFW Show.

The half-hour television programme, anchored by veteran broadcaster and culture activist, Ikpe, features iconic personalities, who would lend their voices to thumbing violence and also point the way forward.

Little wonder the monarch graced the annual NMVA and Violence-Free World Advocacy Project, held in Lagos at the Eko  Hotel & Suites where eminent Nigerians like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Dr. Ubong King and Sheila Okonji Ashinze, among others, were honoured.

The event, also a platform to honour outstanding Nigerian musicians, had the presence of Chief Dele Momodu, Mr. Kenny Ogungbe, Tunde and Wummi Obe.

With musical performances from Tuface, Harry Song, Reekado  Banks,  CD Q and Jumabee, the well attended forum had no dull moments.

An elated Anyaoku called  on young Nigerians to shun violence and focus on  ventures that will bring about enduring progress.

Relishing the significance of being honoured by the Ooni, he noted that the first time he was so honoured with such an award was in South Africa for his role towards the liberation of the South African people during the apartheid era.

He, however,  said it felt great to be recognized at home.

The retired diplomat commended the mornarch, noting that having youths among the target audience was laudable.

On that note,  he paid glowing tributes to Ikpe for staying on this course.

The Ooni, on his part, said peace remained  his primary concern, noting that anyone seeking his attention  could only get it if such a person is committed to a violent-free world.

Ogunwusi reminded youths that progress could not  be achieved in a hostile environment.

He  saluted the resilience of  Ikpe, pledging  to maintain the partnership.

At the colourful gathering, anchored by the trio of Okey  Bakasi, Richmond Osuji and Sheyi Shay, DBanj  won the video of the year and in two other categories.

In a chat with Sunday Vanguard, Ikpe spoke on  his commtitment to the project thus: “While it may be impracticable to achieve a hundred percent non-violence world, it is believed that campaigning against it with words and works  can keep violence low.”