Entertainment
Crafts makers seek unity, end to insecurity
Some crafts makers have called on Nigerians to use the art to convey messages of peace and unity and the need to co-exist peacefully in the country.
The crafts makers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, said the messages of peace could go a long way in stemming the high rate of indecurity being faced in Nigeria presently.
Mrs Adekunle Wumi, the Managing Director, Wumi African Textile Company, said that people could be united through the use of Nigerian culture.
Wumi, who makes and sells woven traditional cloth, popularly known as Aso-Oke, described as unpatriotic the call for disintegration of the country.
“Our culture can bring us back together in unity and peace.
“By the time I use your own costume and you use my own costume to preach peace and unity, there will be no enmity and rancour between two of us. This thing will bring us together,’’ she said.
According to her, Aso Oke contributes to the nation’s economy in many ways as it provides employment for youths who are willing to learn.
“It also gives civil servants who learnt it as another source of income. This will complement whatever they get from their monthly salaries.
“It is not only Yoruba that are using it. It is now used across the nation. There are some ethnic groups in Kaduna who are my customers that are using it.
“Tiv, Idoma in Benue have their own, even Igala and Ebira in Kogi have their own,’’ Wumi said.
She said that the price of the cloth was higher compared to previous years, blaming the increase on the high price of the materials used for weaving.
“The price is high now because the materials used for weaving Aso Oke is expensive than before. Like two years ago, the one we sold for N5,000 is now sold at N7,000,’’ she said.
NAN reports that Cloth weaving (Aso-Oke) started centuries ago among the Yoruba but predominantly among the Iseyin’s in Oyo State, Ede in Osun and Okene in Kogi and some areas in Ghana.
The fibres used for weaving are either locally sourced or brought from neighbouring states (northern parts of the country).
Another crafts maker from Kano, Mr Yahusa Abdullahi, urged the Federal Government to end the insecurity in the country, adding that the problems of insurgency and kidnapping was affecting handicraft business.
“Government should address the insecurity because when there is no peace, nobody will bring money to come and do business in the country.
“Before now, people came from outside countries like America, England and others but now they stop coming to Kurmi market in Kano State because of Boko Haram and kidnapping.
“People fear to come due to insecurity in the country. And before we had a lot of foreigners who used to come to the market but now they have stop coming.
“Kurmi market is a central place where you can get leather works, hand weaving crafts and woven blankets,’’ Abdullahi said.
According to him, these handicrafts promote culture and unity among Nigerians because people from different ethnic groups used to buy them. Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa even foreigners come to buy it.
“The prices of these products are low compared to two, three years ago. The prices have dropped because there is no patronage.
“What makes the price of a product to be higher is when there is high demand for that product. So, the price must come down because few people or nobody demands for it.
“Before, a big basket which we were selling at N5,000, now we sell it at N3,000 because there is no market,’’ he said. (NAN)
Ghanaian Nollywood actor Van Vicker has marked his 21st wedding anniversary with his wife, Adjoa Van Vicker, sharing heartfelt reflections on their journey together. In an emotional Instagram post, he expressed gratitude to God and offered insights into the complexities of marriage, describing it as a “bed of thorns and roses” filled with both beautiful moments and challenges.
Van Vicker emphasized the importance of marrying the right person and understanding them deeply. He highlighted that staying “in love” is crucial, stating, “the desire to want to stay married” motivates him to continue their journey together. He shared his belief that while marriage has its difficulties, love remains a beautiful experience, saying, “I have no regrets about being married and staying married.”
In his post, he reflected on their 30-year relationship, stating, “I am blessed to have my wife, Adjoa Van Vicker, by my side all these years.” He prayed for the grace to continue navigating the challenges of marriage and expressed his appreciation for the love they share.
Last year, Van Vicker surprised fans by celebrating their 20th anniversary, emphasizing that their journey began three decades ago and recognizing their marriage as a profound blessing.
Happy anniversary to the couple!
Award-winning artist Davido has declared his fourth album, *Timeless*, as his best work to date. In an interview with comedian and actor Broda Shaggi during the unveiling of his new Puma collection, Davido discussed his fashion choices and shared insights about his music.
Reflecting on his style, Davido stated, “They say I like to dress like a rapper because I love urban fashion. I love wearing T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers to look comfortable. You will find me in a suit when it’s time to collect money. Sometimes, I also wear Agbada.”
Released on March 31, 2023, *Timeless* achieved remarkable success, setting records for first-day and first-week streams on platforms like Spotify Nigeria, Audiomack, Boomplay, and YouTube. The album received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album and produced hit singles such as “Unavailable,” featuring Musa Keys, which earned a Grammy nod for Best African Song Performance, and “Feel,” nominated for Best Global Song Performance.
In the interview, Davido hinted that his upcoming album will surpass *Timeless*, a sentiment he echoed earlier this year when hosting American content creator Kai Cenat. Fans can look forward to the new album’s lead single, a collaboration with Jamaican star YG Marley.
The film *dire, featuring Kehinde Bankole, has garnered four nominations at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. FilmOne Entertainment announced this achievement via their Instagram, highlighting the film’s exceptional cinematography and performances.
The nominations include:
– Best Cinematography
– Best Actress
– Best Costume
– Best Production Design
Released on Netflix on January 13, 2024, Adire earned ₦8 million in its opening weekend. The BON Awards, established in 2009, recognize outstanding achievements within the Nollywood industry and feature over 30 categories.
The film follows a young female fashion entrepreneur, played by Kehinde Bankole, who grapples with the consequences of her dark past as a sex worker. It was created and written by Jack’enneth Opukeme, who also acts in the film, and directed by Adeoluwa Owu, also known as Captain Degzy. The cast includes notable names such as Femi Branch, Kelechi Udegbe, and Yvonne Jegede.
In addition to Adire, Jagun Jagun leads the nominations with a total of 12.
Van Vicker Celebrates 21st Wedding Anniversary: “I Have No Regrets”
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business12 hours agoOkpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
News23 hours agoDemolition: Press Under Siege As Taraba Govt Issues Ban Memo
-
Banking8 hours agoFree Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign12 hours agoSci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Business5 hours agoWike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Foreign12 hours agoSWChina’s Guizhou builds itself into computing power base serving whole country
-
Foreign6 hours agoQinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Foreign6 hours agoExpressway service station in Shandong achieves carbon neutrality