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Mr. Akinsola Adejuwon takes charge at National Troupe of Nigeria…. + Exclusive Facts on How Edem Duke was Rubbished!

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The newly appointed Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Troupe of Nigeria Mr. Akinsola Mendra Adejuwon have formally resumed office as head of the National Troupe, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation. Mr. Akinsolu Adejuwon from Ekiti state takes over from Mr. Martin Adaji. He becomes the fourth Chief Executive Officer of the National Troupe of Nigeria since the Troupe’s formal establishment in 1991. Foremost theatre director Mr. Bayo Oduneye and the Dean of the College of Humanities of Redeemers University Professor Ahmed Yerima have at various times led the Troupe as Artistic Director

Former Artistic Director Mr. Martin Adaji handing over to the new Artistic Director Mr. Akinsola Adejuwon1

 

A theory cum practically oriented Artist; Mr. Adejuwon was until his appointment as Artistic Director on Thursday September 11, 2014 a Museum Curator of the Institute of Cultural Studies of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Osun State. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Design of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Master of Arts Degree in African Arts Studies of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Currently the Chairman of the Osun State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) and member of the Nigerian Field Society, the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Troupe has designed, organized and attended several conferences, seminars and workshops and has curated, coordinated and executed a number of local and internationally acclaimed exhibitions.
A widely travelled artist whose current research activities include a study on Festivals of Yoruba land, Mr. Adejuwon has since been meeting with management, staff and stakeholders of the National Troupe. His immediate plans, as Artistic Director is to reposition the National Troupe and to make the Troupe a truly national and international performing arts company.
At a brief handing ceremony held at the National Theatre on Thursday, the former Artistic Director Mr. Martin Adaji congratulated Mr. Adejuwon on his appointment and thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for giving him the opportunity.

members of management of the national troupe with the former and new artistic director3

Fresh facts have emerged on how the new artistic director of the national troupe mr akin adejuwon was appointed. Contrary to widely held view that Mr Akin was appointed by Culture Minister Edem Duke to reward his close associate Dr Franklin who was then believed to be father of the appointee, a competent source in the presidency hinted Society Reporters NG that Chief Edem Duke has nothing to do with the appointment but rather a close relation of the appointee who works closely with the President was the one who got ‘an open approval from president jonathan’ for mr Akin to be appointed. According to the source, the Secretary to Government was directed to appoint Mr Akin, a graphic artist and junior staff at the Obafemi Awolowo University and to communicate the appointment to Chief Duke who at that time was out of the country on official assignment. ‘But rather than go through Mr akin’s CV to know his area of competence, and also ask them at the Ministry of culture if vacancy exist anywhere, the SGF who is not usually thorough in decisions that he takes, appointed a fine artist with no managerial experience to head a theatre arts troupe. It shows you the kind of man the SGF is. Check round, what we have are round pegs in square hole all round’ the source said.

However despite being absolved of blame for the appointment, the minister chief duke is still under fire from both the President and members of the theatre arts community. The President is angry that he was misled to granting an approval without a proper briefing on the competence of the appointee and whether indeed the tenure of the officer he was replacing was due. The tenure of the former artistic director mr martin adaji from Kogi state was still running when he was questionably sacked. He was even due for reappointment in March 2015. On the other hand, members of the theatre community consider it a slap for the President to appoint a fine artist into a position meant for a dance, drama or music specialist. They said they are crossed with not just the President but the Minister who should have educated whoever appointed Mr. Akin on the diference between being an ‘artist’ and a ‘artiste’. According to one elder theatre artiste ‘it shows you the level of appreciation of the arts by those at the top. They know nothing an about it and wont appoint people who know. How can you appoint a painter as CEO of a dance, drama and music outfit. Couldnt you have sent him to national gallery where his competence would be put to test? That was how this same Anyim appointed a building engineer as CEO for the Nigerian Film Corporation and appointed a woman who should have retired having attained the mandatory years in service and age as DG of National film and video censors board. Tommorow Jonathan will come and sit down and say he is jotting down our problems that he will solve. Anyway, we are meeting in the next of couple of days. But we shall resist this one at the national troupe and then revisit that of NFC and NFVCB’

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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