Princess Tessy Iyase-Odozi is a painter, curator and prime mover of the moving art exhibition who has made name for herself in the art industry both within and outside. She is the CEO of Green House Art Gallery, located in Olambe, Ogun State and one of the few women slugging it out in the male dominated art business.

t was a bad new year gift for the entire staff of the National Troupe of Nigeria and especially the ten male artist dancers working in the performance company of National Troupe of Nigeria, as an early morning inferno last Monday razed down the male camp of the artistic hostel located just a few metres away from the snack and drinks bars popularly known as (abe-igi) at the National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos.

For NICO to engage in this innovative project means that its administration really understands the importance of taking inventory of our affairs. It is a clear evidence of the fact that the Institute understands that the culture sector can help, in no small measure, in massaging our ailing democratic process.

Nigeria’s 50 years since the attainment of independence to many, have been a turbulent march towards nationhood. Looking at past records on economic issues, high rate of unemployment, individuals especially youths’ involvement in societal ills and worst of them all, an inclement political climate which became disastrous during years of military dictatorship, one ponders if the country’s golden jubilee was really worth celebrating.

Perhaps deriving from the fact that security which is the most important and all pervading issue in national life has not been given its due place by the Federal Government as the Police which is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order have been having daunting challenges in doing that in decades; many individuals and organisations have come up with alternative suggestions in the last few years, each with its own way of contributing towards addressing the security challenges facing the nation.

Last October Nigeria , the most populous country in Africa celebrated 50 years of its existence as an independent nation. And in the spirit of that golden jubilee celebration, many individuals and groups rolled out drums for the great event.

Africa’s foremost female playwright and Distinguished Professor of Cultural Diversity and English at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, USA, Osonye Tess Onwueme has been honoured with a new appointment as the University Professor of Global Letters at her institution.

Young Nigerian author, Vincent Okwudili Ibeh, was celebrated on Africa Youth Day in Abuja, November 1 2009, where he presented his award-winning book, What Our Youths Were Not Taught…. In this interview, he spoke to Maxim Uzoatu all about the life changing book.

By the time the presentation of Wole Soyinka’s “The Lion and Jewel” on the National Theatre stage came to a close penultimate Friday evening, one thing was certain- everyone present who have read that play, was not in doubt concerning how much the performance re-echoed the prevailing clash of tradition and modernity in this 21st century.

Dr Obi Nwakanma, poet, journalist and scholar is an award winning writer, whose literary creations and journalistic writings are well received by connoisseurs of good writing. Nwakanma, whose collection of poetry, The Roped Urn won the Association of Nigerian Authors poetry prize some years ego has also published The Horsemen and other Poems.

The memories of the life, times, works and achievements of one of Africa’s greatest artists and the man who laid the foundations for contemporary Nigerian art, late Ben Enwonwu came alive last week as artists, diplomats, captains of industry and admirers of the late artist gathered for the 7th Distinguished Ben Enwonwu Foundation lecture held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs ,Victoria Island, Lagos.

Last month’s Abuja Writers’ Forum in its characteristic manner was another triple moment for the celebration of poetry, painting and music. In this graphic report, Tunji Ajibade captures the soul and depth of that eventful meeting:

Last week, the Centre for Black African Arts and Civilisation , CBAAC in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Namibia; Pan-African Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG) Lagos, Nigeria; Pan-African Centre of Namibia (PACON) Windhoek, Namibia and the National Youth Council of Namibia hosted a three day International Workshop on theme; “Sustaining the New Wave of Pan-Africanism – Youths Shaping Global Africa’s Development in 21st Century” at the University of Namibia.

Christopher Okigbo( 1930-67): Thirsting for Sunlight by Obi Nwakanma, HEBN Publishers Plc, Ibadan, 2010, PP,276.

Last week marked one year that former Chairman of BHS International, the concessionaires of Tafawa Balewa Square, Fred Archibong passed on after a brief illness.