JIFORM set to take irregular migration advocacy to schools

By Ere-ebi Imisi Journalist international forum for Migration, JOFORM, has disclosed that it is set to take the advocacy against irregular migration to schools and rural communities adding that Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commissioning, Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa is slated to attend. In a statement issued by the JIFORM President/Executive Director, Ajibola Abayomi, stated that JIFORM, having engaged in several international and local advocacies against irregular migration decided to take its campaign to reach out to schools and rural communities to further enlighten Nigerians against activities of human traffickers. According to Abayomi the event is slated to hold later in March at the Villanova Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile, Osun state. The JIFORM president however noted that the global body comprising over 150 seasoned journalists across the continent is taking the advocacy against irregular migration and human trafficking to schools and rural communities after hosting its inaugural international migration summit in Abuja in 2019. Also he stated that Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, MRF and the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Osun State, Mrs Funke Egbemode, have been slated to attend an anti-human trafficking summit in Osun state. “At the JIFORM, we have decided to work the talk by taking the message of anti-human trafficking especially to the rural communities and students giving the growing concern regarding the rate at which Nigerians are being deceived to embark on unplanned journey premised on fake promises of better life. “It is our belief that we can’t continue to write alone as journalists focusing on migration rather time has come for us to share practical experiences with the people and orientate them against attempt to lure them into modern day slavery through deceits” he explained. ReplyForward

NGO sensitive security agencies on protection of women, children

By Ere-ebi Imisi

A non-governmental organization, Partners West Africa Nigeria, PWAN has sensitised security agencies in Borno state on steps to protect the vulnerable population in conflict-prone areas especially women and children.

This is aimed at mitigating the impact of crisis among the vulnerable population in the society particularly women and children caught up in crisis area, also enhance the participation of women in the country’s security sector. 

In a statement signed by the Communication Officer of the group, Charity Onwubiko, the need to provide such empowerment workshop for the security officers in the terrorism-ravaged states of Borno and Yobe cannot be overemphasized especially regarding the provision of gender-sensitive protection strategies to minimize gender related casualties, particularly sexual violence most times associated with women folk. 

According to Onwubiko, this is also part of PWAN’s contribution in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 16 and 17 which is aimed at building strong peace and justice institutions and partnerships.

“The changing face of insurgency especially with regards to women undoubtedly calls for a more inclusive and strategic approach in resolving conflicts and countering terrorism. Nigeria’s security sector as it currently stands reflects the traditional society in its patriarchal nature. This has affected the structure of the security sector with regards to inclusiveness, gender parity and discriminatory practices against women” she said.

While commending all the security agencies in the country for taking steps to integrate gender equality, she enjoined them to continue to improve their capacity to provide gender sensitive protection strategies for all vulnerable population particularly women and girls.

She also expressed the commitment of PWAN to partner with relevant security organizations in ensuring more participation of women in decision-making and overall structure of the security sector in the country.  

The group also reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari commitment to address incidents of sexual violence, sexual abuses in schools, human trafficking and cultural practices that violate women’s rights adding that it is worthy of commendation.

Highlight of the sensitization program was the launching of notepads, bottles and pens as IEC materials.

Visual arts as tools for wealth creation

Visual arts as tools for wealth creation

After an 8 year break, the Nigerian Gallery of Art organized its Annual distinguished lecture with the aim of increasing interest in Visual art as a dependable tool for wealth creation, our correspondent JOY IMISI writes.


Visual art in Nigeria include paintings, sculptures, installations, and other visual culture that exhibits the art, music, and literature of a people inspired by their tradition.

Masquerade, metalwork, sculpture, architecture, fiber art, and dance are important art forms across Africa and may be included in the study of art.

Art takes many forms and is made from many different materials. Most African artworks are wood sculptures, probably because wood is a very widespread and easily accessible material.

In Nigeria our vast and rich cultural heritage can be strategically repositioned to capture art and tourism as a driver to lift the Nigerian economy since tourism alone cannot effectively flourish without the cultural components.

The federal government’s effort to diversify the economy is in line with the understanding that no nation can really excel without the inclusion of art, culture and tourism parameters in state affairs.

Against this backdrop, Nigeria cultural experts and various interest groups felt that Nigeria was lagging behind in the establishment of an autonomous gallery of art similar to those of other countries, hence the setup of a the Nigerian Gallery of Art, NGR to take care of modern Nigeria visual art.

As is tradition with the NGR to advance the course of knowledge in visual art and art generally,  the Director general National Art Gallery, NGA, Dr Simon Ikpakronyi stated that Nigerians visual art continues to be a veritable and dependable tool for wealth creation, self -reliance and employment generation to the teaming Nigerian youths.

This, he stated is one of the numerous benefits of visual arts at different levels and to the society.

Speaking during the 12th Annual distinguished lecture of the NGA, Ikpakronyi added that the lecture is designed to advance the course of knowledge in visual arts in particular and arts generally.

According to him, visual art is a means of generating income to the government and seeks to contribute to boost the nation’s economy.

He stated that NGA will continue the trajectory of promoting Nigerian artists and their works through its various programs adding that the annual lecture is one of its signature programs with efforts to promote the practice of visual art and artists in Nigeria.

‘‘The distinguished lecture is designed primarily at educating stakeholders as well as the public on the various aspects of Nigerian visual arts. It is a forum where eminent scholar are invited to reliever well researched papers on carefully chosen topics which are deeply analyzed for the benefits of professional artists, art teachers, art researchers, art administrations, scholars, students of visual arts at different levels and the public," he stated.

Furthermore, Ikpakronyi stated that the NGA will continue to explore all possible avenues for public private partnership to ensure that there is a tremendous upswing in the appreciation of visual art in Nigeria.

He stated that in line with the vision of President Muhammad Buhari to diversify the economy, visual art is a credible alternative to generate income for the government.

‘‘We will continue to encourage our arts and culture which is our inheritance. Our economy can greatly improve and art is a credible alternative’’

Presenting the lecture at the event, guest lecturer Professor Jerry Buhari of the Ahmadu Bello University stated that coming from an 8year break the issues of nation building can be addressed through art.

With the theme ‘‘Re-current issues in the development of contemporary Nigerian Art’’, Prof Buhari added that if art is given its proper place and attention in the society it has the capacity to address national concerns.

The professor of Fine Art who stressed that culture is used to identify a people added that Nigeria has an enviable cultural heritage yet to be harnessed as a positive edge to place it as one of the richest countries in the world.

He however decried the consequences of not having a national art edifice stating that without a national edifice it will be difficult to build a coherent art collection that can serve as a tool for nation building.

It is however pertinent to note that the National Gallery of Art exhibits sections of art works which are displayed for viewing and promotional purposes or for sale and in the long run a tool for wealth creation.


QUOTE: NGA will continue to explore all possible avenues for public private partnership to ensure that there is a tremendous upswing in the appreciation of visual art in Nigeria.