ACCEPTANCE SPEECH OF PROF. ODODO, SONTA PRESIDENT

Acceptance/Inaugural Speech by Prof Sunday Enessi Ododo on his Election as the 8^th President of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) at the 26^th SONTA Conference, Benue State University, Makurdi: 4^th - 7^th June 2013.

Distinguished Chairman of SONTA Council,

Hon Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation

The Vice Chancellor, BSU,

The Immediate Past President of SONTA,

Distinguished Members of SONTA Executive,

All SONTA Fellows here present,

All Past SONTA Presidents here present,

Eminent Professors of Theatre Arts here present,

Theatre Scholars and Practitioners,

Respected Members of the Press,

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

Congress men and women,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

God is the author of time. To Him we owe ultimate gratitude for everything He causes to be at His own time. What he causes to be is also often brought to be through active involvement of men and women; hence, the saying that the voice of man/woman is the voice of God. When noble intentions are intoned, they travel on the wings of great voices, and the greatest voice is the voice of the people - speaking out - in prose, or painting or poetry or music; speaking out - in homes and halls, streets and farms, courts and cafes - let those voices speak in unison and the sound you hear is the voice of God. My dear and valued SONTA members, for unanimously electing us as the 8^th President of SONTA on 5^th June, 2013, God indeed has spoken through you.

Our investiture today as Fellow of SONTA, even though it is part of the package of instrument of office for emerging as SONTA President, we consider it a worthy and valued reward for our over two decades contributions to theatre scholarship and practice in Nigeria. It is also seen as an encouragement to us not to relent but to engage in greater exploits for the good of our profession and the Nigerian society. May God grant us the grace, strength and perfect health to serve you more.

We are extremely honoured to be elected SONTA President, and we are grateful to all SONTA members for making this possible because, you all are the charming gardeners who made our aspirations to blossom. Even though the heart is small, mine holds a rather large amount of gratitude for your trust and faith in us to lead the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists, the highest professional body for theatre and culture scholars and practitioners in Nigeria. This is great responsibility thrust, and we accept it wholeheartedly with deep sense of humility. We would not take this responsibility lightly, and we will strive to represent you with the utmost transparency and boldness. In our work as your President, we pledge to be guided by SONTA Constitution and extant decisions of the society.

President Emmanuel Dandaura has led the Society to new heights and has set the stage for an exciting next chapter. Being part of his achievements as Vice President, we shall consolidate and build upon these achievements.  Indeed, SONTA has had a remarkable history of successful presidents who have guided the society through tremendous growth and change.  This legacy reflects a strong scholarly and professional body with a clear sense of identity and purpose.  Working with SONTA executive and the entire membership, we will strive to sustain and build upon that powerful tradition.

As we look forward, there is much to do.  The newly approved SONTA Strategic Plan must get underway and define a fresh lease of growth for our dear society. The challenges are great, but the opportunities are even greater. To secure these opportunities and succeed, all hands must be on deck. We eagerly look forward to having your support and active participation on SONTA projects and activities.

Under our stewardship, the executive will be guided with the specific goal of building bridges of consolidation and breaking new grounds for the benefits of our members and the Nigerian society. We shall reinforce and create multiple bridges that will enhance our linkages with government and her relevant agencies, international bodies and the corporate publics. These bridges will be built based on imagination, openness and courage.

• Imagination is the innate willpower for discovery and innovation;
• Openness grants us liberty to harness our distinctive strengths for multiple creative yields; and
• Courage helps us interrogate conventional wisdom and take risks to make a difference.

Through these bridges, we intend to:

1. expand the financial base of SONTA,

2. identify and provide solutions to critical and crucial issues affecting theatre scholarship, practice and training in Nigerian tertiary institutions,

3. strengthen the membership fold of SONTA and encourage more active and committed participation,

4. pay keen attention to issues affecting the professional and scholarly advancement of members,

5. provide platforms for the growth of young theatre scholars/professionals and the projection of established ones,

6. project the society more to public consciousness both nationally and internationally, while we continue to synergize with other relevant associations and bodies in the creative arts,

7. seek the attention of Government and the corporate publics on the activities of the society and to secure support for theatre infrastructures in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

8. seek legislative regulatory instrument from the Nigerian parliament to strengthen the practice of our profession and training.

We wish our members well and urge each one to continue our collective journey with imagination, openness and courage. To my distinguished fellow executive members, colleagues and friends, we have a trust to keep, and a dream to fulfill to make SONTA greater than it is today.

Congress men and women, we also need your sincere assurances that you would cooperate with us to succeed. If indeed you would give us your cooperation to succeed, please say “Aye”, if you would not cooperate with us say “Nay”; the “Ayes” have it.

Thank you very much for today’s support and the support you will extend during our tenure. God bless you all; God bless my wife and family; God bless all my well wishers; and God bless SONTA. Peace!

Prof S.E. Ododo, Ph.D, fsonta

SONTA President. 6^th June, 2013

Professor Ododo Of UNIMAID Emerges SONTA President

Professor Ododo Of UNIMAID Emerges SONTA President

Friday, 07 June 2013 12:15

 

Professor Sunday Enessi Ododo of the University of Maiduguri has emerged President of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA), the umbrella body of Theatre Arts lecturers in Departments of Theatre/Drama/Cultural/Performing Arts in Nigerian Universities.

Professor Ododo, who was elected at the just concluded 26th Annual Conference/General Meeting, hosted by Benue State University, Makurdi, succeeds Professor Emma Dandaura of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

The election, which took place at the Arts Theatre Complex of BSU, was conducted by an Electoral Committee, chaired by Professor Chris Ugolo of the University of Benin, producing Professor Alex Asigbo (UNIZIK) as the 1st Vice President; Dr. Tor Iorapuu (UNIJOS) as 2nd Vice President; Professor Sam Kafewo (ABU, Zaria) and Dr. Gowon Ama Doki (BSU) re-elected as Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General, respectively.

Others members of the newly constituted EXCO are Dr. Suru Damisa (Nasarawa State University), Financial Secretary; Dr. Mariam Asabe (AAU, Ekpoma), Treasurer; Dr. Dennis Ameh Akor (Osun State University), Editor of SONTA Journal; Dr. Rasheed Adeoye (UNILORIN), Events Manager; while Mr. Sylvanus Dangoji (ABU) retained the post of PRO.

A celebration of Chinua Achebe

culled from Sahara Reporters
 President Barack Obama of the US last night lauded the late Nigerian novelist, Chinua Achebe, as a “revolutionary author, educator, and cultural ambassador.”
Mr. Obama’s words of praise for Mr. Achebe, the author of the classic Things Fall Apart and four other widely read novels, were contained in a condolence message he sent to the organizers of an event held in Washington, DC on Sunday, June 2, 2013 to celebrate the life of the late author. The celebration was held at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC.
International writers, government officials, and fans gathered at the venue to remember Mr. Achebe who was the David and Marianna Fisher University Professor of Africana Studies and Literary Arts at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island. The event, which lasted from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., included readings, music, an arts exhibition, Igbo masquerades and a variety of cultural dances.

Mr. Obama’s personal condolence message at the event was read by representative of the American president. In his statement, Mr. Obama stated that the late professor and author “shattered the conventions of literature and shaped the collective identity of Nigerians throughout the world.” The US President added: “With a dream of taking on misperceptions of his homeland, [Professor Achebe] gave voice to perspectives that cultivated understanding and drew our world closer together. His legacy will endure in the hearts of all whose lives he touched with the everlasting power of his art.”

Other speakers at the event included Ruth Simmons, the immediate past President of Brown University, Johnnetta Cole, a former President of Spelman College and current director of the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, Sonia Sanchez, a leading American poet, Scott Moyers, whose Penguin Press published Mr. Achebe’s last book, There Was A Country: A Personal History of Biafra, and Micere Mugo, a Kenyan-born poet, cultural activist and professor of literature at Syracuse University. Professor Simon Gikandi of Princeton University as well as Jules Chametzky, a retired professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst also spoke about the late Achebe.
The Afrobeat band known as Eme and Heteru entertained at the event. One of the highlights of the evening was a dramatic recreation of a scene from Things Fall Apart by the Chuck Mike theatre group.
Among those who attended the celebration was Africa’s literary star, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of three novels, including the recently released Americanah. In a recent interview with SaharaTV, Ms. Adichie described Mr. Achebe as a literary icon, adding that the late author “gave me the permission to write.”

IF YOU LOVE INDIAN MOVIES, YOU WILL DEFINITELY MISS HER....

Jiah Khan 'quiet, reticent but charming'

Bollywood actress Jiah Khan has been found dead at her apartment in the Indian city of Mumbai, police say.
Khan's mother found her body hanging at her home, police told the BBC. No suicide note has been found, they said.
A post-mortem examination is to be carried out to establish the cause of death and police say they are seeking information from her neighbours.
Asian Network's Entertainment Reporter Suki Padda has been talking to Boman Irani who acted with Khan in her last film, Houseful.  SOURCE:: BBC

The Illuminati Nonsense!

 Its crazy how some people sit down to fabricate lies about public figures particualrly in the entertainment industry.
That Michael Jackson was a member of the Illuminati since he was a kid is the dumbest story, i have ever heard. The unfortunate thing about this stories is that every kid in Nigeria seems to believe these stories.
This Illuminati conspiracy theory seems to suggest that every successful celebrity is being controlled by Satan. They started with the music industry. Now they have spread to all the sectors of human life that have to do with famous people. They give the glory to the devil for the success that God has created. That is the most foolish scenario  that i have ever heard in my life. MJ for example is immensely gifted from birth, He started singing about the age of six and by age 10 was already a global superstar and millionaire. He did not need to sell his soul to the devil as the Illuminati story implied to become a success. MJ was born with it. Period.
 It was God given and God is a jealous God. You would not believe the caliber of people whose names are being destroyed, even pastors are not spared including TD Jakes, Pastor Adeboye, Beyonce and many others. These is pure nonsense and God will punish liars and all those who destroy other people's reputation in the public eyes without strong evidence.


 PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE  BELOW FROM AN ANONYMOUS WRITER.  i found it interesting

  Embarrassing Conspiracy Theories: The Illuminati controls the Music Industry

One of the big conspiracy theories going around the internet (especially Youtube) is that the music industry is controlled by the Illuminati (mind you of course there is no proof that the Illuminati even exists in the first place).

One of the key pieces of "evidence" that many conspiracy theorists claims is "proof" that the Illuminati is in control of the music industry is that many musical artists tend to use hand gestures and symbols (along also with certain lyrics) that many conspiracy theorists believe contain pro-Illuminati messages, or is being used as some type of brain washing techniques.

Now besides the fact that a very secretive group (such as the allegedly existing Illuminati) probably wouldn't be so bluntly giving away their existence by having a bunch of musical artists basically giving their audience a bunch of little subtle hints of that group's existence, it would kind of defeats the purpose of a secretive group being a secret to the public at large if they gave away their existence so openly.

Musical artists can be a weird kind of bunch. They constantly "reinvent" themselves or evolve in there tastes for two main purpose: To express themselves artistically, and to stay relevant so they can make money from teenagers and young adults, because that is where a large part of where music sales come from. There is even speculation that some musical artist that are accused of working for the Illuminati are actually intentionally using what is considered Illuminati symbols in their acts and lyrics in their music in order to generate controversy, and thus publicity.

There are also other claims by people who claim to have worked in (or currently are working in) the music industry, and that they have actually "witnessed" either what they consider to be Illuminati or other occult type ceremonies occur in private with some of these musical artists. These claims tend to be few and far between, and could be simply the result of misunderstanding the actions of a musical artist (as I said before, they can sometimes be pretty weird and do weird things) or everything they are saying could just be entirely made up (including their involvement with the music industry).

Even if this was true, the music industry would not be a very good industry for a secretive group to secretly spread messages of their existence through symbols (rather then outright saying that they exist).

Besides the shear fact that many musical artists are very independent minded and would most likely never go along with being apart of the Illuminate (some of which are conspiracy theorist minded people who would have no problems exposing this) there are thousands of people who work in the music industry, and there should be a lot more evidence being brought forth, and a lot more people coming forth and claiming that the entire music industry is being controlled by some secretive shadow group.

Also, another reason why the music industry really wouldn't be a good place to do something like this in the first place is because musical artists come and go all the time, with maybe only a few lasting a decade or more (as comedian Chris Rock once put when he was talking about musical artists "here today, gone today" because that's practically how long some of these artists careers last). So with this being said, would you really want to use the music industry to secretively spread a message (without even hinting what that message was)?

From what I can tell this is simply a new spin on old accusations that have been plaguing the music industry for decades about how the music industry is being controlled by secretive and malicious forces, such as Satanists in the 1980's and 1990's, and communists even before then.

Afro Candy, controversial Actress!

Sexiest Igbo actress in Nigeria, Afro-candy continues to  generates controversy in the industry. The actress who is becoming known with porn movies in Nigeria, is the topic of many gossips in NOLLYWOOD. Afro-candy insisted that she produces movies with sex scenes and not pornography. She also felt convinced that there is huge market for sex oriented movies in Nigeria. Check that out!

Energy Drinks in Nigeria

Watch that Energy Drink!

Yemi Olakitan

Unregulated intake of caffeinated energy drinks could spell disaster for consumers

       Nigerians’ love for energy drinks is evident in the myriad of brands that have saturated the markets in the past few years.  There are so many brands; Power Horse, London Best, Red Bull, Spark, Monstar, Hippo and many more. The popular appeal of the non-alcoholic drink is that it enhances mental and physical performance because of the ingredients, chief of which is caffeine. The question on the lips of many is this: Is energy drink good for our health?  According to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA, energy drink caffeine content generally ranges from 50 mg to 505 mg per can or bottle. The World Health Organization says Caffeine, like nicotine, meets some of its criteria for a drug of dependence and acts on the dopamine system in the same way as amphetamines and cocaine.

        Four years ago when Hummer Bonus International Limited launched its brand of energy drink, Hippo at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos, it warned consumers not to take more than one can of its energy drink in a day. However, it claimed among other things that Caffeine has beneficial effects on mental and physical functions in human body. It has an influence on breathing and ability of the cardiac muscles to contract, as well as the heart rate. It has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and speed up cardiac activity. The company says, ‘‘Caffeine stimulates fat burning during endurance activities and thereby helps to use fat stores in the body, which results in a more efficient supply of energy. If this is true, urgent findings are required to ascertain veracity of the recent hullabaloo on the dangers of energy drink in popular Nigerian media.

    Ms. Ifeoma Akobi, pharmacist and CEO IBI specialties opined that, caffeine can be addictive.  She said, moderate caffeine consumption poses no real risk to the general population. However she said people often abuse it. ‘‘It is the unregulated use of energy drink that becomes dangerous to one’s health. I used to know someone who takes Red bull on a daily basis. Every morning, he drinks it.  He could not do without it.  It is like a student who uses coffee to study in order to prevent sleep. You cannot cheat nature for long. The body will surely ask for its dues. Most people who take energy drinks make it a habit and this is bad. There are people who are highly sensitive to caffeine any amount could cause a variety of adverse effects such as insomnia, headaches, irritability, restlessness, hallucinations, nervousness, and increased urination,’’ Speaking further she warned that caffeinated products should not be consumed during pregnancy and recommended a brand of energy drink which she said is caffeine free and produces the same result as any brand of energy drink, called FAB, manufactured by Forever Living Products, which said is caffeine free.

     Michael Orie, a journalist said he avoids energy drinks totally but he sometimes takes coffee and does not feel any side effects but at other times a cup of coffee can give him severe headaches, as a result of this, he has decided to avoid coffee, instead, he prefers tea which do not contain the same quantity of caffeine as coffee or energy drink.

        Professional Nutritionist, Health and Wellness Expert, Princess Kathy Emiko, CEO Body Perfect said, ‘‘unless someone is involved in high energy activity, there is no need to take energy drink. People who are involved in high energy activity such as athletes, dancers, weightlifters or construction workers can take a minimal amount of energy drink and without any health hazards. When people take too much energy drinks, it can lead to high blood pressure and even death, ‘’ she said,  ‘‘caffeine has been shown to inhibit absorption of iron and calcium and has an effect, which may lead to fluid loss,  constriction of blood vessels can also occur when caffeine is ingested, which can cause poor circulation. Diabetics are often cautioned to avoid caffeine because it leads to an increase in blood sugar.’’  She said.

      In another chat with a Pharmacognosist, Chukwuma Muanyan who defined pharmacognosy as "the study of medicine from natural sources, he advocated moderation in the intake of energy drinks, according to him energy drinks has different effects on different people but moderation should be generally observed by all.  While some people may enjoy the health benefits in the consumption of caffeine, others may face the other side of the stimulant.       People need to study their genetic make-up and body reactions in order to know whether they should take energy drink or not. Chukwuma recommended coconut water as a form of energy drink, particularly for sports men and women.  He said, coconut water is a natural alternative that does not just boost energy levels in joggers and athletes, but lowers blood sugar levels and diabetes risk. According to him, a cup of coconut water from the young green coconut has been shown to be low in calories, has no fats or cholesterol, and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium (about 600 milligrams that is more than a banana), calcium and magnesium, making it a healthy drink. It has even been used intravenously, directly into the human blood stream, to stabilize electrolytes or treat people who were severely dehydrated.  During the Pacific War of 1941 to 45, both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water - siphoned directly from the nut - to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers. Chukwuma said, coconuts are anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. It is recommended that mixing coconut water with other juices for a tasty blend increases the health benefit and decreases the amount of calories and sugars in the drink.
      However a recent study at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Munich had positive news about energy drinks. It says healthy people may have better heart function if they regularly consume energy drinks containing caffeine and taurine. The left and right ventricles of the heart increased shortly after consuming energy drinks.  A group of 25 young healthy people, who participated in a research conducted by scientists, had their diastolic blood pressure rose six per cent, while an increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure wasn’t statistically significant an hour after consuming energy drinks.  Other findings suggest that caffeine reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease and type 2-diabetes.  A modest consumption of 12.5 to 100 mg of caffeine can improve cognitive performance and mood. Doses of caffeine of six mg/kg body weight (BW) and nine mg/kg BW were equally as effective in increasing exercise performance. Larger doses of caffeine may not deliver a better response. A French study showed a slower decline in cognitive abilities among women who consumed caffeine. In small quantities, caffeine can relieve migraines and enhance the pain-reducing effects of aspirin or other pain relievers, and is believed to help lessen the symptoms of allergy and asthma sufferers. Caffeine also increases dopamine production, a chemical that improves feelings of well-being.

        In 2008, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) Prof. Dora Akunyili assured regular consumers of energy drinks of the quality of products registered by the agency. She said, any energy drink that is registered by NAFDA has the normal amount of Caffeine. She urged consumers to always read the label so that they can be sure that they are buying an original product.  In June 2012, NAFDAC National Coordinator, David West announced a raid which was successfully carried out by the Agency in Edo state. Similar raids have been reported in other parts of the country. West alerted Nigerians to beware of fake and substandard energy drinks and watch carefully that the product they drink is fully registered with NAFDAC.  Officials of the agency who spoke on the issue said that Nigerians often abuse the products by drinking them in excess, sometimes mixing them with alcoholic drinks. This may lead to caffeine intoxication and increases the fatality of the drinks. They call for moderation which is the only way one can maintain good health. A can of energy drink once a week they say, is safe. Energy drinks when taken in a regulated and responsible manner may be beneficial to health according to while unregulated intake of energy drinks may be disastrous.