LIFESTYLE

Ibadan-born Professor, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade Crowned Humboldt 2017 Innovative Network Award Winner

Published

7 years ago

April 10, 2017

The organizer of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has formally announced an Ibadan-born Professor, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade as a winner of the 2017 edition of Humboldt Alumni Award for Innovative Networking Initiatives.

The award ceremony will take place in June 2017 during the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Annual Meeting in Berlin. Funding for the award is being provided by the German Foreign Office.

Raji-Oyelade, who is the immediate past Dean of Faculty of Arts of the University of Ibadan, has volumes of poetry which have been translated into French, German, Catalan, Swedish, Ukrainian, Latvian and Hungarian include: Webs of Remembrance (2001), Shuttlesongs America: A poetic guided tour (2003), Lovesong for My Wasteland (2005), Gather My Blood Rivers of Song (2009) and Sea of My Mind (2013).

The foundation, it was gathered, grants up to four Humboldt Alumni Awards per year to promote innovative networking initiatives of alumni of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s fellowship and award programmes. It is designed to support initiatives not covered by the Foundation’s existing sponsorship and alumni programmes and to promote academic and cultural relations between Germany and the Humboldt Alumni’s own countries and strengthen their collaboration in the respective regions.

Remi Raji’s award-winning project is entitled “Postproverbial Africa: Building a Corpora of Wits in Texts, Media and Performance”, a trans-national initiative which brings African scholars in the humanities together with the ultimate aim of contributing to the body of modern and radical proverbs which are created mainly in urban communities almost all over the African continent.

Remi-Raji, an orator and a poet is a Salzburg Fellow and visiting professor at a number of institutions including Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, the Universities of California at Riverside and Irvine, University of Cape Town, South Africa, and Cambridge University, UK. His scholarly essays have published in journals including Research in African Literatures and African Literature Today. Remi Raji who served as the Writer to the City of Stockholm, Sweden in 2005 had read his poems widely in Africa, Europe and America.

Remi Raji, a chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, was the former publicity secretary, Vice Chairman, and chairman of the Oyo State chapter, 11th president of the association, served as the Year 2000 Editor of the ANA Review, the official journal of the association. He was also the former National Coordinator of the resuscitated Nigerian PEN Centre.

FASHION

How To Protect Your Brand Like Veekee James

Published

37 mins ago

May 15, 2024

Reporter

Established fashion designer Veekee James recently shared some valuable wisdom with aspiring designers. In an Instagram post uploaded on May 14, 2024, she focused on the importance of brand protection. Veekee James offered key steps that up-and-coming designers can take to safeguard their creations and build a thriving fashion brand.

She wrote,

“I don’t know anything about the issue going around on social media so I can’t really speak on it! Here’s my advise as someone who has been there done that.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VEEKEE JAMES ATERE (@veekee_james)

In her advice to aspiring designers, Veekee James emphasised the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients, particularly regarding payment and social media recognition.

She cautioned designers against situations where a client offers social media recognition (tagging the designer on a post) instead of proper payment for their work. This puts the designer in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between financial security and potential brand exposure.

She suggests designers establish clear terms upfront with clients.

“Once anyone comes to you with the ‘Do you want money or tag’ phrase, You better run! I’ve had so many of your faves, both in this country and abroad, use that phrase with me and that was it! Today some of these people will give anything to be in my piece! No cap. It just shows no respect or regard for your brand! Once you allow that, it confirms the fact that your brand has no value whatsoever!” she warned.

In her talk, the designer stressed the importance of clearly communicating a brand’s values to celebrity clientele.

“Be wise! Don’t let money come first before the important things! Sacrifice in business is a must! As long as you have made glaring the values of your brand, be ready to collaborate sometimes only with celebs who respect you as well! Never forget that it’s a win-win for you and the celeb! No one is doing you a favour!”

The looks from this year’s AMVCA red carpet that were designed by Veekay James

She stressed the importance of both staying true to your beliefs and not relying solely on celebrity clients for publicity.

“Don’t be desperate to be known through a person! You must know that only God is the LIFTER of Men! He will use only the people He chooses to lift you! Don’t try to do what only God can do for your brand! Don’t expect publicity from every celebrity and make desperate decisions without thinking!” she said.

The celebrity designer added,

“If you want to be a fashion designer, go and research the true meaning of being a designer! So that you don’t end up being a tailor parading him or herself as a designer! If you are a designer, do the work of a designer!”

Get more updates here.

ENTERTAINMENT

Toyin Abraham Begs Fans Not To Bully Anyone In Her Name

Published

20 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Reporter

Toyin Abraham begs fans not to bully anyone in her name | fab.ng

Nollywood star Toyin Abraham took a stand against online bullying on May 14, 2024. The actress and producer specifically addressed her fans and followers on her Instagram story, urging them to stop bullying or hurling insults at others in her name.

Her message highlights a growing concern about celebrity fan culture and the potential for online harassment. Toyin Abraham likely wants her fans to express their support positively, and she emphasises that she doesn’t condone negativity directed at others.

She said,

“Please don’t use a fan page created in my name to bully or curse anyone let people bully curse and abuse me as long as they wish or want. The Lord is my strength and will always be my strength please.”

Thank you🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/VXaCJxTpXO

— TOYIN ABRAHAM AJEYEMI (@toyin_abraham1) May 14, 2024

Her decision to share the post resonated with her audience. Many of her followers and supporters expressed their approval in the comments section.

A fan commented,

“Omo, people Dey do a lot this days… I understand sometimes that we have to reply them or interact with them, because only gods knows what you did wrong that they always find fault in what you do. God be with you Mum Ire.”

“You expect Someone like me to folds hands…?? Be like you don forget where I de follow U from, you have forgotten days of humble beginning abi? Make person soil ur name, make I fold? TOYIN, AYA AJEYEMI bami soro na,” another fan said in her defense.

“We no go hear, any slander or insult to you or your personality will be met with equal and proportionate response,” said another defensive fan. “No matter how good you are to people, they will still get back at you with ill and defame words.”

However, not everyone agreed with her stance. A comment that caught many eyes read, ”

“When you fuvked up… Netizen will treat your fuvk up. That’s what it is, we don’t celebrate hypocrisy and the masses matter.”

Get more updates here.

ENTERTAINMENT

“Stop Pitting Me Against My Friends” – BNXN Warns Fans

Published

23 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Reporter

"Stop Pitting Me Against My Friends" – BNXN Warns Fans

Nigerian music star BNXN is putting a stop to online comparisons. Influencer-fueled debates about who the better singer is, BNXN or Ayra Starr, recently took social media by storm. But BNXN isn’t here for it. On May 13th, 2024, he took a stand on his social media platform, urging fans to ditch the comparisons and appreciate artists for their individual talents.

stop pitting me against my friends for entertainment.

— Benson (@BNXN) May 13, 2024

BNXN is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.

He is renowned for his music, and he’s consistently impressed audiences since bursting onto the scene. This isn’t the first time BNXN has encountered online comparisons. He clearly remembers the public feud with fellow singer Ruger that erupted after similar comparisons on social media.

Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and BNXN and Ruger ended their disagreement. They even collaborated on a successful EP titled “RnB,” featuring hits like “Romeo Must Die” and “Ilashe.” This proved that collaboration can be much more fruitful than competition.

BNXN and Rugar

Meanwhile, Ayra Starr seems unfazed by the online noise.

She’s laser-focused on the upcoming release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” expected to drop this May.

The Grammy-nominated artist recently unveiled “No Bad Vibe,” featuring Seyi Vibez, as the album’s lead single. But that’s not all! The full project boasts an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including Asake, Giveon, Coco Jones, Anitta, and even her brother Milar. This star-studded collaboration hints at the diversity fans can expect from the album.

So, it’s clear that both BNXN and Ayra Starr are prioritising making music for their fans, not getting caught up in online comparisons. Their dedication to their craft is evident, and their talent deserves to be celebrated individually.

Let’s appreciate their unique styles and contributions to the Nigerian music scene, and keep an eye out for the release of Ayra Starr’s album; it’s bound to be a smash.