After a rigorous search by the esteemed panel of judges of the 2015 edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature, made up of Professor Ato Quayson, Molara Wood and Zukiswa Wanner Africa, the men were finally separated from the boys in the chase for one of Africa’s most prestigious literary prizes.

THE Umutu Cafe, located at Muritala Mohammed Airport 2 venue of the unveiling of a new book written by Chux Onyenyeonwu and in attendance were a select group of writers who came to see the creative work of art. Indeed, the powerful cover design, superb printing as well as the contents were so classic that many wondered whether it was the work of a first timer or not, but it was so.

Lovers of art, art collectors, promoters were treated to a special form of art as Omenka Gallery opened its last exhibition for the year tagged Status and Time, a joint exhibition of recent works by leading London-based designers Yinka Ilori and Jade Folawiyo. The ongoing exhibition which is supported by the British Council, featured an installation of palm oil kegs, as well as a collection of intricate wall clocks referencing thought-provoking quotes on the theme of time and change. The exhibition which opened on December 19, 2015 will run till January 9, 2016.

When you mention Africa, the first thing that comes to the mind of the average American is not literature, to that extent you are bringing something new. But African literature is very interesting, very broad and so even when you introduce it to them, you are introducing a whole new world. You are introducing them to African women writers from Egypt, Senegal, like ‘So Long a Letter’, Buchi Emecheta.

The iconic, international and award winning stage musical, Kakadu returns by popular demand to be staged in Lagos this December on the 29th and 30th 2015, and from the 1st to the 3rd of January 2016. Kakadu The Musical, Nigeria’s first ever contemporary stage musical, which is an exciting and eclectic blend of music, drama and dance is tribute to the period and infinite possibilities of Nigeria in the sixties and early seventies.

One of the raging issue now is the pivotal role women play in almost all areas of life. Women are seen in all areas of life, business, civil service, teaching etc, but there seems to be a dearth of women in the arts sector. Why is it so, does the culture forbid them or what, this was the reason why Art Forum Africa (AFA), a new platform that runs online publication, and organises forum for discourse on matters that concerns artists, curators, collectors, the government and others involved in arts in Africa gathered stakeholders in the arts industry to discourse on the topic, “Where are the women in the visual arts?

It is often said that the worst form of democracy is better than the best military rule, that is why people rejoice during democratic rule as it will afford them the opportunity to elect their leaders who will in turn deliver the much desired dividends of democracy to them. But, what becomes the fate of the people when the politicians who are voted into power abandone their campaign promises and fail to deliver.

Professor Titus Okereke has written an excellent book even if at times it is an unhappy book. His own irrepressible personality shines through the book – he is a friendly man, a thoughtful person who is willing at times to follow the consequences of his thinking. Most people think but allow circumstances to dictate their action. Not so Titus. The book is delightful as it takes us through his first thoughts – not of Ajalli but of a two days water trip to Sapele where he grew up.

Three finalists have been announced as the three shortlisted authors for the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature and sadly, no Nigerian author made the list. The authors that made the list include; Fiston Mwanza Mujila, Penny Busetto and Rehana Rossouw. The Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first pan-African Prize that is open solely to debut fiction writers from African countries. Now in its third year, it is acknowledged as the most prestigious literary prize for African fiction.

ONE of the greatest problems confronting the world today, especially Nigeria is unemployment. For example in Nigeria, every year the various universities in the country churn out graduates to chase the few jobs available, and when they don’t get any, they are left with no choice than to join the legions already in the unemployment market. Its negative effects on the globe is worrisome, that is why all efforts are geared towards finding a solution.