Peter Obi Commends Kanyeyachukwu Okeke’s Record-Breaking Achievement at World Autism Awareness Day

Peter Obi Commends Kanyeyachukwu Okeke’s Record-Breaking Achievement at World Autism Awareness Day

 

The World Autism Awareness Day celebration at Eagles Square, Abuja, was marked by a remarkable showcase of talent, resilience, and determination, with a special focus on the achievements of Guinness World Record holder Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke.

The event drew a diverse crowd, including government officials, disability rights advocates, educators, parents, and children with special needs. Attendees were treated to a vibrant atmosphere filled with inspiring speeches, artistic performances, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting awareness and inclusivity for persons with autism. The venue was adorned with colorful banners and artwork created by individuals with special abilities, further emphasizing the theme of empowerment and creativity.

Peter Obi, the presidential hopeful of the Labour Party, attended the event and lauded Kanyeyachukwu’s extraordinary feat in painting on canvas. The young artist set a new global record by creating the largest art canvas, measuring an astonishing 12,303.87m² in just four months, surpassing the previous record of 9,652m², which was accomplished in seven months by another individual.

Speaking at the event, Obi emphasized the crucial role of youth-led initiatives in fostering a more inclusive and progressive society. He highlighted that Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement serves as a testament to the boundless potential that exists within every individual, regardless of the challenges they face.

“Kanyeyachukwu’s story is not just an inspiration; it is proof that with determination, encouragement, and the right opportunities, greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places,” Obi stated. “His success reinforces the urgent need for inclusivity, support, and opportunities for persons with special abilities.”

Obi called for a stronger commitment to nurturing talent, creativity, and hard work, urging society to recognize and celebrate individuals of all abilities. He reiterated the need for continued investment in fundamental pillars of human development, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

“As a nation, we must remain committed to building a society that leaves no one behind,” he added. “By fostering an inclusive environment, we can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

The World Autism Awareness Day event served as a powerful reminder of the need for continuous advocacy and action to create an inclusive society where every person, regardless of their abilities, can achieve their full potential. The event concluded with a heartfelt applause for Kanyeyachukwu and other talented individuals who showcased their artistic abilities, reinforcing the importance of supporting and celebrating neurodivergent individuals in all spheres of life.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu.

Omoni Oboli’s “Love In Every Word”: A Misrepresentation of Igbo Men and Their Culture

Omoni Oboli’s “Love In Every Word”: A Misrepresentation of Igbo Men and Their Culture

Opinion Post by Chukwuma Ndioguluo:

Omoni Oboli, a talented movie producer from Edo State, recently released a film titled “Love In Every Word, which attempts to portray the romantic dynamics of an Igbo man. However, the movie falls short of accurately representing Igbo culture and the traditional values of an Igbo man, particularly the concept of an *Odogwu* (a respected, wealthy, and influential man in Igbo society).

In the movie, the Igbo male lead, played by Uzor Arukwe, closes his bank account to win the heart of a woman he loves. This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also a misrepresentation of how an *Odogwu* from Igboland approaches love and relationships. In Igbo culture, an *Odogwu* is a man of substance, wisdom, and pride. He does not diminish himself or his wealth to win a woman’s affection. Instead, he often disguises his true status, presenting himself as a modest individual—perhaps a single shop owner in Onitsha Main Market—while secretly owning multiple businesses.

The intention behind this approach is to test the woman’s character and ensure she is not motivated by his wealth. An *Odogwu* seeks an *Odozi Aku*—a woman who is wise, resourceful, and capable of managing his wealth and household. Only when she proves her genuine love and loyalty does he reveal his true status and introduce her to his family as the woman he intends to marry. This is the Igbo way, and it reflects the depth of cultural values that prioritize character over materialism.

It is disappointing to see how Omoni Oboli imported a Benin man’s lifestyle into a movie that was supposed to showcase Igbo culture. The portrayal of the Igbo man in *Love In Every Word* is far from the reality of how an *Odogwu* loves and respects his woman. The only plausible explanation for this misrepresentation is that the character is an Igbo man who has lived outside Igboland for too long and has been influenced by the cultures of his host community.

Another glaring inaccuracy in the movie is the use of the term *“Onye Nwem”* (meaning “the one who owns me”) by the male lead to address his love interest. This is a complete distortion of Igbo cultural norms. In Igbo tradition, *“Onye Nwem”* is a term of endearment used by a wife to address her husband, not the other way around. It signifies the man’s role as the head of the household and the woman’s respect and submission to him. When a wife calls her husband *“Onye Nwem”* and shows him respect, he is compelled to love her genuinely and entrust her with the management of his wealth, earning her the title *“Ori Aku”* (the one who enjoys his wealth).

The fact that Uzor Arukwe, an Igbo actor, addressed Bambam, a Yoruba actress, as *“Onye Nwem”* in the movie is a clear indication that Omoni Oboli knew exactly what she was doing. If Bambam were an Igbo actress, I believe she would have rejected such a term, no matter how sweet it sounded, because it goes against the cultural norms passed down by our foremothers.

Omoni Oboli may have had good intentions with *Love In Every Word*, but the execution missed the mark. The movie fails to tell the true story of how Igbo men love their women and instead presents a distorted version of Igbo culture. I hope that an Igbo movie producer will one day rewrite and reproduce this story, showcasing the authentic and dignified way an *Odogwu* from Igboland loves and respects his woman.

Igbo culture is rich, profound, and deeply rooted in values that deserve accurate representation in Nollywood. Let us tell our stories the right way, preserving the integrity of our traditions for future generations.

#ChukwumaNdioguluOfficial
#Chucappella
#OmoniOboli
#BamBam
#UzorArukwe
#NollywoodMovies
#MovieReview
#IgboCulture
#Odogwu
#OdoziAku
#OriAku

A Comparative Analysis: Zubby  vs. Timini in Nigerian Cinema

A Comparative Analysis: Zubby  vs. Timini in Nigerian Cinema

When it comes to the world of Nigerian cinema, the names Zubby Micheal and Timini Egbuson often spark debates among enthusiasts. As someone who doesn’t necessarily consider themselves a movie buff, especially in the realm of Nigerian films, it’s important to acknowledge and respect the opinions of passionate movie lovers and critics. However, my preferences tend to lean towards lighter, comedic undertones rather than serious dramas.

Zubby Micheal embodies the essence of comedic relief with a hint of hardliner and machismo. His performances resonate with audiences seeking entertainment laced with humor and a touch of street-smart charm. For someone like me who enjoys films with a lighter tone, Zubby’s portrayal fits the bill perfectly.

On the other hand, Timini Egbuson delivers performances that are equally captivating. His talent shines through in various roles, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. While Zubby may cater more to the unrefined and street-oriented demographic, Timini appeals to a broader audience with his nuanced portrayals.

Both actors boast a loyal fan base, each attracting different demographics. Zubby’s fanbase tends to skew towards a more masculine audience, drawn to his rugged charm and comedic flair. In contrast, Timini’s appeal extends to a wider spectrum, garnering admiration from both male and female viewers alike.

Drawing a comparison between Zubby Micheal and Timini Egbuson is akin to offering a football and a teddy bear to male and female twins. Just as natural instincts would dictate their preferences, audiences gravitate towards the actor whose persona resonates with them on a deeper level.

In this analogy, Zubby Micheal embodies the football – bold, energetic, and appealing to a more masculine audience. Meanwhile, Timini Egbuson represents the teddy bear – charming, versatile, and embraced by a broader demographic, particularly the female audience.

Ultimately, the choice between Zubby Micheal and Timini Egbuson boils down to personal preferences and natural instincts. While both actors bring their unique flair to the screen, it’s their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level that sets them apart in the realm of Nigerian cinema.

Kelly Hassino

KANYEYACHUKWU TAGBO-OKEKE WOWS CANADIAN AND INTERNATIONAL ART LOVERS AT THE ART VANCOUVER EXHIBITION, CANADA

KANYEYACHUKWU TAGBO-OKEKE WOWS CANADIAN AND INTERNATIONAL ART LOVERS AT THE ART VANCOUVER EXHIBITION, CANADA

 

The 12-year-old Nigerian child prodigy Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo – Okeke recently held his first exhibition at Vancouver Canada at the prestigious Vancouver Convention Centre. Kanye has over time exhibited in many countries of the world and recently, Canada.
 Art Vancouver is one of the biggest art shows in Canada and Kanyeyachukwu made history by being the youngest at the exhibition and one of the few from Africa to showcase his works.
Kanye has over the years put Nigerian in the art world, especially in abstract painting. Kanye art works has been a part of his project in contributing and bringing spotlight to autism and plight of children with autistic challenge.
According to the organisers of Art Vancouver “We were so thrilled to showcase Kanyeyachuku Tagbo-Okeke’s works at Art Vancouver 2022. The young creative artist defies the odds daily as a kid living with Autism, and as a contemporary Abstract Artist Extraordinaire, Kanye defines Autism; it doesn’t define him”.
Founded in 2015 by non-profit Vancouver Visual Art Foundation (VVAF) Art Vancouver was established by an accomplished artist and curator, Lisa Wolfin with a group of dedicated volunteers. They have the vision of being the premier destination and event that bring global awareness to visual arts. Art Vancouver is an international art fair held annually in a world-class location at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, where Kanye Exhibited at Hall A.
On discovering the creativity of Kanye at a young age, the parents Mr and Mrs Tagbo  Okeke  said ” we noticed  Kanye scribble a lot when he was attending  Cradle to Crayon in 2011 but it started manifesting well when he was in pre K at  the American International School Abuja and then attended Oakland International School around 2016 before he was moved to  Aduvie Primary school in 2019. It was in these institutions that various interventions were given to him to help him to focus. He  graduated from Aduvie primary school in July 2022 and started Aduvie secondary school just this September. These schools have made a great impact in his life. This with  Zeebah Foundation and OLG Autism Foundation. They help in his therapy and very instrumental to his creativity.
With his solo booth dedicated to his works, there was a spotlight on one of his paintings known as expression of harmony which highlighted his works and contribution to autism. Kanye has over the years shown how kids with autism can make impact in life and contribute to artwork. With this milestone, Kanye work was used as a cover-page for the Art Vancouver catalogue. This has made Kanye’s work to be a feat being the youngest to have been featured.
Apart from Canada, Kanye over the years has been able to showcase and exhibit his works in various part of the word such as Vienna, Austria, New York, United States, Morocco, and now Canada, with so many awards and recognition from various organisations such as United Nations (UN) and others. Kanye has successfully brought awareness to the challenges of autism in Nigeria.  Many of the proceeds that come from these art works are being donated to Kanyeyachukwu Autism Foundation, a foundation that solely cater for autistic children from care to education and social support.

 

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS FROM AFRICA STUDYING ENGLISH

 

 

 

Shanty Town Showing in Over Hundred Countries, Tops in Eleven

Shanty Town Showing in Over Hundred Countries, Tops in Eleven

 

 

Shanty Town Movie is a testament that the Nigerian movie industry is the biggest coming out of Africa and also has cemented Nollywood (pet name for local movie industry ) as one of the top 5 movie industries globally. Shanty Town movie came out depicting the slum of Nigeria, telling the story of cartels running prostitution, drug and extortionist rackets in some of the biggest slums in the country.

Speaking during an interview with Yaw, an online personality with WAZOBIA FM a local radio station in Lagos. Produced by Uche Jombo the Associate producer,Chichi Nworah the  Executive producer and Charles Okonkwo ,Executive producer. During the media  interview, Chi said that “ We have been in this movie since 2019, it was written in 2019, while Covid 19 paused it and we commenced shooting after the pandemic. “

“The movie is showing in over hundred  countries of the world and running top in eleven  countries of the world. The government is being aware of the movie industry. Producing the movie is a herculean event, we suffered many challenges “Review of Shanty Town, a Netflix Limited Series:

With the finest acts in the country such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Nse Ekpe-Etim, Shola Shobowale, Shaffy Bello, Ali Nuhu, Uche Jombo, Zubby Michael, Nancy Isime, Ini Edo.Produced by Uche Jombo the Associate producer, Chichi Nworah the Executive producer and Charles Okonkwo ,Executive producer with cameo appearance from Mercy of Big Brother Africa

“Shanty Town is an ode to blood, gore, violence, and very little sex, and it shows that Nollywood is truly pushing the envelope. The production focuses on a theme that we have seen quite a bit. A powerful politician is the real brain behind the drugs and prostitution rings in the slums, but 3 episodes in and I was still struggling to understand what the plot is. The use of suspense and mystery is over flogged, and I almost got bored with the build-up”, Ọmọ́níkẹ̀ẹ́ Adéòtí of NollyRated.

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

 

Business in the Era of Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) (By Eiji Ota)

Business in the Era of Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) (By Eiji Ota)

Today, products, services, and experiences are all being swept up in the phenomenon of Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) – remote and on demand access to any business offering provided as a service

​By Eiji Ota, B2B Sales and Marketing Director, Canon Central and North Africa (Canon-CNA.com)

The ‘as-a-service’ model, whereby businesses can subscribe to a service or offering without the need to pay upfront, has revolutionised B2B operations forever. It was initially introduced, with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), a pioneering business model for accessing software through the cloud. SaaS helped businesses offer a standard, distributed solution at a lower cost of entry. This new model also meant that customers no longer needed to worry about large installation and ongoing maintenance costs.

Two decades on from its mass introduction, and the SaaS model no longer exists solely within computing, but now touches every industry. While software industries have been spearheading the as a service model for decades, other industries such as print, are in the earlier stages of applying such models to their own business offerings. The market is moving at pace, and it was the cloud that fully accelerated its widespread popularisation.

More recent adaptations of the ‘as-a-service’ concept include Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS),and more, that utilise the cloud-based model and offer businesses increased flexibility to scale up or down based on need As the service is hosted in a shared environment, the service itself and updates can be rolled out instantaneously, and allows customers to outsource key business functions, revolutionising industry operations.

Today, products, services, and experiences are all being swept up in the phenomenon of Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) – remote and on demand access to any business offering provided as a service.

The XaaS model

As early as 2018, it was predicted that the global XaaS market will surpass $340 billion by 2024[1]. The pandemic has only served to accelerate this trend as organisations have sought to adapt their business models to thrive in the new normal. In fact, 60% of adopters believe they are gaining a competitive edge through their use of XaaS[2].​ Optimised running costs, freed up resources, faster implementation and providing customers with access to the most up-to-date technology are all benefits too great to ignore.

The rise of the ‘on-demand’ economy has created a shift in consumer behaviour where more is expected from businesses than ever before. The XaaS model uses ‘servitisation’, which is the transformation from merely selling products to also delivering services, to meet these increased demands. ‘Servistisation’ creates an opportunity for businesses to deepen customer relations through engagement and that collaboration is key to the success of an XaaS offering.

Beyond implementation to creating real customer value

Many companies have been using customer delivery techniques for years to analyse how customers are using products and rolling out updates accordingly based on feedback. However, the cloud has advanced this trend by making it easier for businesses to gain real time insights, facilitating a deeper understanding of customer journey.

It is now not enough for businesses to simply provide an as-a-service offering as a tick box. Investment in the model is key to creating a service that the customer sees true value in. Only by leveraging the cloud to engage and collaborate with customers, monitor their usage and make improvements to the product or service, accordingly, can you keep your business truly competitive.

Engagement is the first building block to understanding consumption

Customers are directly connected to a business each and every time they use a product, service or function. The world is changing at speed and customers’ needs are evolving with it. Direct customer engagement allows companies to stay ahead of these changes and understand how, why, and when their product is being used.

Monitoring customer use to ensure a seamless user experience

Businesses can measure how customers are using a product, service or function through usage metrics such as adoption, what functionality is being used, and how quickly an action is completed. This gives them insight to identify and proactively fix any problems that could arise before they impact a customer’s experience. The XaaS model also presents companies with a space to evolve their service or test new strategies in an agile way.

Ongoing collaboration is vital for long-term investment

The XaaS model naturally lends itself to a customer and provider collaborating to ensure that a user gets the best from what they are using. In the old world of purchase and use, solution providers were not so connected to whether a customer managed to extract a purchase’s full value. However, flexibility and scalability has changed this dynamic.

Today, an ongoing collaboration between a customer and XaaS provider is key for long-term investment. The nature of the model means the buyer makes a repurchase decision every subscription term, reconsidering the value of the service more frequently than ever before. In fact, 80% of adopters agree that XaaS has led their organisation to reinvent business processes and even change how they sell to customers[3]. The XaaS model is seeing us into a new era, one in which we ‘pay by outcome’. This payment model holds businesses accountable for bolstering product value on a consistent basis.

XaaS: setting businesses up to thrive in the new normal

The XaaS model represents a new era for the ‘as-a-service’ model and its uptake is quickly becoming an essential building block for business growth. A true XaaS proposition must offer real engagement, close monitoring of a product in use, and a commitment to continuous improvement to meet today’s evolving customer demands. As more and more businesses implement an XaaS proposition it is increasingly difficult to stay competitive just by adding a digital connection and subscription model to current offerings. The as-a-service model is becoming an expectation for consumers, as the demand for convenience and ease is more prominent in a hybrid working world. Customers are now looking for true value in what they consume, and the as-a-service model is no exception.

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FG Eulogises Late Orlando Julius, Consoles Family

FG Eulogises Late Orlando Julius, Consoles Family

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has condoled with the family, friends and fans of the late highlife musician, Julius Aremu Olusanya Ekemode, popularly known as Orlando
Julius, saying his death robs the music industry of another trailblazing legend and the nation of another giant star.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday, the Minister described the late Orlando Julius as an all-rounder in his field, noting that he made his mark as a singer, song writer, saxophonist and performer.

”Despite a larger than life image, he remained a decent gentleman and a good family man. His passion for music was unparalleled, hence he excelled in his chosen field.

”By dint of hard work, he and others like him laid the foundation and helped to nurture Afrobeat to global prominence,” he said, adding:


”It was therefore most fitting that he lived long enough to witness the moment in which Nigerian music has taken the world by storm.”

Alhaji Mohammed urged the family of the late music legend to take solace in the good and remarkable life of their patriarch, and prayed for repose to the soul of the departed.

How Kanye Is Bringing Awareness To Autism Using Art Exhibitions – Anthony Nwosu

How Kanye Is Bringing Awareness To Autism Using Art Exhibitions – Anthony Nwosu

World Autism Day was celebrated on 2nd of April, this day is to bring to the fore the challenges, awareness and management of autistic individual in the society. In line with this, Kanye Tagbo Okeke, a very creative Nigerian child who has constantly demonstrated over the years that autistic children do not have spiritual problem recently concluded a one-week art exhibition at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. This art exhibition is to bring more awareness to autism in Nigeria.

Autism has always been a challenge for many Nigerians especially parents, schools and caregivers in a country that is very religious. Most folks will attribute autism to spiritual thing. Having seen this,
This is the third edition of Kanye’s Exhibition in the country in support of autism, themed “No Child Left Behind”, the exhibition brought under a roof the finest art collection which is more od abstract paintings of the child prodigy under one roof. Described as fantastic and creative by art lovers, connoisseurs and collectors. The works brought to fore Kanye’s dexterity with brushes on canvass.


Speaking at the event, Mariam Shuaibu, representing the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs said, we believe that this exhibition is in line with the child right act of the country. We believe in promoting the welfare and right of children as it is in Child’s Right 2003. We will sensitise the people and empower their parents. Attention should be focused in identifying these children’s talents. “
It is gives me great pleasure to be part of this exhibition and I will want to use this opportunity to appreciate the wonderful parents for nurturing this boy to this height. Kanye has showcased his gift of arts irrespective of his challenges. As you are aware autism is one of the developmental challenges but Kanye has show that this narrative can be changed”
Doris Izuwah, Director of OLG Autism and Kanye’s Doctor said ” there is inclusion in treatment, autism isn’t just a one man’s business. We need to help our children have access to multi disciplinary approach such as speech therapy, music and art. I commend the Tagbo Okekes family for their understanding and supporting Kanye’s schedule and this has opened doors to others. With their efforts a lot has been known and this has helped in the autism awareness. “


Muhammed Sulieman, the President of Society of Nigerian Artists added that ” Welcome to Kanye’s world and life, it is a reflection of his life and creativity. Kanye must have been thought very well to bring forth these works. Kanye isn’t fighting the ordinary battles you are fighting on daily basis. From age eight, Kanye’s arts have been revolutionary. He is such an amazing artist. He is definition of things that he sees everyday and a representation of things that are in colours and shapes which is creative. “
Tagbo Okeke, the father of Kanye also added that ” We understand the importance of autism awareness that we have decided to build Kanye’s Autism Society to assist in the awareness and intervention in autism cases in the country. we have seen a lot of cases where one of the children was about to be strangled just because he has autism, we have to intervene, what we do is to bring these children with special needs and put them on a platform that will take care of their needs. We encourage people to adopt a child, not that we are telling you to take the child home but we want you to be part of the process.”


Kanye has been called a prodigy over the years for his dexterity and creativity, he has exhibited across the globe in major cities like Vienna, Austria where he was recognised with an Award Flame of Peace and also in New York, UNICEF etc. Kanye has been described as one of the creative children to ever come out Nigeria and his art works are hanging in prestigious places around the world. Kanye is an autistic child of 12 years and a testament of what kids with autism can achieved if properly guided and nurtured.