THE CRY I CRY NOW, IS NOTHING BUT PEACE IN MY HEART
I have seen misery flying like bullet in the air,
cause sticking on fox like hard core spit;
I also see LAPA LAPA on their inhabitants
forehead like the forbidding fruit,
Yet they want to wage their tong in public
and yan jackass. I laugh UNA.
Men how I laugh at their folly.
Seeing that not even one of them is
just in their verdict.
We are at the prime of our triumph.
The peak of our glorious holy.
Today is his birthday, not even one of his kin
celebrate with him, not EVEN one.
What is it to hold in him when no one is there.
love is not shown; comfort is not giving to him
when he needed them!
What did they do? They turn their back
on him and negate him in this
fierce cold all alone to die with his baby joy. BABY JOY.
Even as we trail on deferent path,
we all still have one course in common,
a common subject that one day we will
be into his limbo, counting our deeds
and make a testimony of our un-wonderful life.
THE CRY I CRY NOW, IS NOTHING BUT PEACE IN MY HEART
Nov 21, 2008
MY PEACE
Nov 13, 2008
ECCLESIASTES
another sadam in liberia
10 November 2008 –Jordan has become the first country to pledge an additional unit to United Nations police in Liberia, answering Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s call for extra forces to support their Liberian counterparts as the West African State continues its recovery from a disastrous decade-long civil war.
Welcoming the decision to send the unit, which is due to arrive next month, Mr. Ban’s Special Representative Ellen Margrethe Løj today praised Jordanian police officers for supporting the Liberian national police in various ways, particularly in dealing with “mob violence.”
Urging the Jordanian police officers to demonstrate the “patience and reserve” that was necessary to support their Liberian colleagues, Ms. Løj noted that there was a lot of peace building and development work to be done to ensure that Liberia did not slide back into conflict and chaos.
“Development is crucial for sustainable peace and security; and to achieve development, Liberians must be empowered to control their circumstances,” she said at a ceremony where she awarded UN peacekeeping medals to 120 Jordanian officers already in the country.
The strengthened police component will enhance the provision of strategic advice and expertise to Liberian officers in the rule of law and operational support to the police and corrections sector as well as react to urgent security incidents.
Ms. Løj said September’s Security Council extension of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for another year “represents the continued commitment of the UN to be unwavering and vigilant in maintaining peace and security in Liberia.
“We are working with Liberian security forces, as well as with those from neighbouring countries, to ensure that security is maintained at all times,” she added.
UNMIL was set up in 2003 to bolster a ceasefire agreement ending a war that killed almost 150,000 Liberians, mostly civilians, and sent 850,000 others fleeing to neighbouring countries. As of the end of September this year it comprised over 12,700 uniformed personnel, including 11,465 troops and 1,037 police.
about the project (the version)
The project “THE VERSION” is to promote contemporary dance and cultural exchange of dialog and exposure to the community through interaction and researching on new ideas, discovering new talents and more voice that will help in building the society. “THE VERSION” is a device of expressiveness to youth, and it is in this context I referred to it as finding the means of communicating with the public through dance. Interacting with the community and also finding the basic importance why dance is a tool of communication in the 21st century.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of the project “THE VERSION” is to research on the simplicity and different reactions from the audience. Finding a different reactions and questions about what they feel. Knowing the importance of dance and it change for development. Creating a forum for dance or a gathering were discussion and ideas will be cultivated. Because now, it is dangerous that the young generation is oblivious of the existence of our cultural dance forms and styles. Thus; with these act, it podge us slowly. Today we youth's wants to follow our own ways which is good. Discovering new ways of dance styles, movements, body gestures and so on. With is also talking about the situation in society. But it is important we must know and understand what we are doing to back up with what we do.
We have a history and background, a culture and tradition. A deep cultural influence that which we came from, with this sense, it is important that we keep our cultural heritage and create a change of idea, a philosophy, a common orientation and understanding of our people and dance.
Nov 12, 2008
The shaped heart
The shaped heart
Waking from the slumber of deceits,
It was in fury of nothingness but lamentation;
then you stood there in cold blank shit,
crying and weeping like a allocate;
I know your innocence will endlessly draw you
like the cloud covered with smoke everywhere
in discourse;
your voice provokes,slowly parts the earth,
thus an innocent virgin in the village,
is abused from her womanhood,
you only wants to be king of every one
Because your staff is making laws and verdicts,
yet her confessions are demise by your soldiers.
Open your dorm and deplore your men
from their armed deeds,
confuse them to find mercy
with their swords from these souls
lest it's poverty and dismay she has turn them to become.
One thing is to love,another thing is lost.
Do we follow love and decide we are loved?
Do we call It lost because we are not loved?
Even if we are loved,
when do we feel it is perfect for these to be called love?
I don' know if her virginity is true,
or a fetish believe I used to ear.
I have seen mortals dwell in a world of oblivion before,
I have known hatred famished lovers because
she has no room for him.
One more night is passed,
another history is told.
lashing incense from your courtyard,yes
her breast finds no passion from her comforter.
What could be his plight!
What could be his fear even if no one tells him
the truth of who he is.
Some call him Africa,
some call him malaika,
others say he's from somewhere
black and feminine,
roaming from dusts and moods,
clinging himself to the earth like wrath
inhabitant,paved from the cave.
 | Press Release AFR/640 POP/865 |
ESCALATING CONFLICT IN LIBERIA THREATENS HEALTH
OF MILLIONS ACROSS WEST AFRICA, UNFPA WARNS
(Reissued as received.)
AKOSOMBO, Ghana, 9 June (UNFPA)–- As Liberian rebels closed in on Monrovia and refugees began fleeing, a humanitarian strategy meeting convened by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has warned that conflict in the region was worsening an already immense humanitarian crisis, with devastating health consequences for women and girls, in particular.
“Wars and the forced displacement of millions are fuelling a dramatic deterioration in health throughout the region, especially in reproductive health”, read a declaration adopted by the conference in Akosombo, a town on the edge of Akosombo Dam. “The number of women dying in pregnancy and delivery has risen alarmingly, as maternal and infant mortality revert to levels not seen for decades. The disruption of families and communities, loss of access to education and health services, and sheer poverty have left young people dangerously susceptible to unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection.”
“The situation in West Africa demands urgent action”, said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA’s Executive Director. “War-affected women across the subregion are in dire need of counselling, skills training, health services, social support and, later, income possibilities for reintegration into society. The UNFPA is committed to supporting initiatives that will help girls and women regain control of their lives and build a peaceful future.”
The escalating fighting between Liberia’s rebel groups and the Government has driven hundreds of thousands of Liberians from their homes and threatens to destabilize the entire subregion. The Akosombo statement was issued one day before a United Nations-brokered peace conference brought eight African heads of State and leaders of Liberia’s warring factions to this town to negotiate an end to their country’s civil war.
The conflict in Liberia is severely endangering the health of nearly all Liberians, especially when more than a decade of civil war has left the country’s health services in ruins, according to UNFPA’s Representative in Liberia, Deji Popoola.
“Health care is virtually non-existent”, said Mr. Popoola. “Even in the few places where public services are functioning, teachers, nurses and other public sector employees have not been paid for 15 months.” The health crisis is exacerbated by the inability of international humanitarian agencies to gain access to more than 80 per cent of Liberia’s territory.
Last week’s meeting in Akosombo included UNFPA Representatives from eight African countries and regional officials from the International Centre for Migration and Health (ICMH), World Health Organization (WHO), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Delegates shared findings on the impact of conflict on women’s health and the transmission of HIV/AIDS. They also worked on national and subregional plans to better protect millions of displaced and otherwise war-affected women, men and children in West Africa.
The participants in the four-day meeting also warned of the spill-over effect of the crisis into neighbouring countries, as hundreds of thousands of refugees are moving back and forth across borders, mostly among Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire. As the conflict spreads, so does the tragic situation of women and girls. The civil conflict in Côte d’Ivoire, for example, has been accompanied by steep increases in unassisted births, maternal mortality, sexual abuse and violence and, almost certainly, increased HIV infection, according to Tamany Safir, UNFPA Representative in that country.
The extreme vulnerability of women and girls was confirmed by Ama Kwapong, of OCHA’s office in Ghana. “Pregnant women are always the most vulnerable group in situations of conflict and displacement”, Ms. Kwapong said at the meeting. “There is also appalling evidence of systematic physical and sexual abuse of women in war settings and in areas where civilian populations have fled from violent conflict.”
Delegates at the Akosombo meeting implored the international community, humanitarian agencies and other parties to take urgent action to address the mounting disaster. That includes working with governments in the region to end the conflicts and political instability underlying the humanitarian crises, as well as to ensure that pregnancy care, HIV prevention, and protection from exploitation are part of any emergency response.
The UNFPA is the world's largest multilateral source of population assistance. Since it became operational in 1969, it has provided about $6 billion to developing countries to meet reproductive health needs and support development efforts.
For more information, please contact: William Ryan, tel.: +1 (212) 297-5279, e-mail: ryanw@unfpa.org; Omar Gharzeddine, tel.: +1 (212) 297-5028, e-mail: gharzeddine@unfpa.org; or Abubakar Dungus, tel.: +1 (212) 297-5031, e-mail: dungus@unfpa.org.
For more information on UNFPA, please visit their Web site at www.unfpa.org.
Nov 11, 2008
the version workshop
When Isoko boy taught Lagosians the art of dancing, choreography
Dredvgil with a friendDiscovering the inner self and free ones creative mind is not only an important requirement in the art world but also an essential requirement for every individual that desires success in life. It is in this vein that Dredvgil, a professional art and dance organisation, organised an art workshop/ seminar titled ‘THE VERSION’ to train individuals to discover themselves and free their creativity and individualism free of charge.
The workshop was organised as a result of the Dredvgil coordinator’s passion to impart what he learnt as a professional choreographer and dancer to other dancers and those who are aspiring to go into the profession.
The organiser, Etagweyo Vincent Onorkarte, told The Lagos Magazine that the workshop is his own way of contributing to the development of Art. “This is basically my own contribution to the arts. It is just a tip off the iceberg as I look forward to doing more in the future especially in the area of collaborating with other artistes to project Arts in all its genres.
The workshop had many highlights which included talks from people in the academia. Mrs. Yeside Lawal, a lecturer from the Lagos State University (LASU) was at the workshop to talk on the essence of dance and how to merge traditional dances like bata with contemporary moves without losing the basic flavour while also tracing the origin of dance and how important it is in all aspects of the cultural life.
The event was, however, not about talks alone, the practical aspect was also exploited well. Dancing techniques and styles were taught by various professional dancers and how one can bring out individualism in dance was also looked into.
Though the programme was organised and funded by Vincent, he had the assistance of other professional dancers like Justin Ezirin, Anthony Odey, Kenneth Enebeli, Chinedu Nwanoyiri, Ndidi Okocha, Preye Yebowe and a host of other colleagues in the art world.
Because the workshop is meant to impart knowledge, the organiser does not want it to be a one time thing. It is expected that more workshops in this line will come up periodically if more funds could be generated. “This workshop is aimed at bringing out the talent in individual participant. Finding the ‘you in you’ and other things that many do not consider in dance but are quite important. We hope that after this, we could have funding or grants from individuals and organisations to help continue the programme.
Another core aim of the event is to educate youths especially those in the arts not to deviate from the tradition but to bring individualism to it to reflect creativity in a typically African fashion.
Vincent hails from Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. He finished studying dancing in the year 2000 and went fully into dancing at the National Theatre though it was not a profession he wanted to embrace fully but because it was a way of freeing his mind, he continued and fell in love with the profession. In 2004, he decided to become a learned dancer by going to school. He was admitted to study dance and music at the diploma level in the Lagos State University, Ojo.
He has performed with various organisations like Black Marbles Academy and Body Language Klinic among others before striking out on his own. He has traveled to London, Sri Lanka and France to perform and has been engaged in various shows as dance instructor among which is the celebrity takes 2 reality shows that came up in 2007. He has just finished a three-month tour of France with renowned choreographer, Heddy Maalem and the company is presently preparing for a month tour of the United States of America.
Yejide Gbenga
FROM AMERICA TO NIGERIA
Night pass by with oceans of darkness,
slowly swaying across the nail
of the Atlantic.
She drifts through the river from Africa
sailing to niaja;with a stoned wind,
every eyes short a peace,
dreaming of their loved ones.
From outside she looks so beautiful and soft,
so lonely in dark and sunshine.
She is marvel in color,
she is unimaginable if I was is groom.
From my seat,i gazed at her
magnificent wonder,
so shrill and sweet,
so milk and gentle;
I see her from afar,chanting with
a sweet voice ,calling for love.
I could feel it,o yes,i could feel it.
We passed her like jelly porn,
lashing her innocences like armies;
my GOD,do we just ignore her?
I can see she's bitter from the dark side
of the space;all clouded with black spots all over.
She is cold.
So many times we are so oblivion of her,
putting her misery behindi9 us.
My fermm,it is you only I love,
come and I will take you there,
to a place where there is love and joy.
From night till day light,
you stood in still, changing your gestures,
that is not what you are made of;
you deserve more than these!
No one will understand you,
If know one cares to know you!
I see you are weary In your stillness and hollow gown.
From beyond to here is no deferent.
No change that is not frequented in like every others.
It is just past and presents,
today and tomorrow,
right and wrong,
I wonder from time to time.
If love will conquer,then there's
no force that will disrupt you from me.
Etagweyo Vincent Onokurte
artistic director dredvgil dance
www.theversionphaseone.blogspot.com
the version(still working on this project)
THE VERSION
The project “THE VERSION” is to promote contemporary dance and cultural exchange of dialog and exposure to the community through interaction and researching on new ideas, discovering new talents and more voice that will help in building the society. “THE VERSION” is a device of expressiveness to youth, and it is in this context I referred to it as finding the means of communicating with the public through dance. Interacting with the community and also finding the basic importance why dance is a tool of communication in the 21st century.
The project is based on truth, reality, perseverance and self consciousness of youth. The youth have to face the truth and challenge these issues with the believe of achieving positiveness at the end. The purpose of the project (THE VERSION) is to bring talents together, drawing kids out from the street by indulging them into various activities. Secondly; THE VERSION is in research of finding truth about what we need to know when by actualize a steady and comfortable society, then we can move the world forward.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of the project “THE VERSION” is to research on the simplicity and different reactions from the audience. Finding a different reactions and questions about what they feel. Knowing the importance of dance and it change for development. Creating a forum for dance or a gathering were discussion and ideas will be cultivated. Because now, it is dangerous that the young generation is oblivious of the existence of our cultural dance forms and styles. Thus; with these act, it podge us slowly. Today we youth's wants to follow our own ways which is good. Discovering new ways of dance styles, movements, body gestures and so on. With is also talking about the situation in society. But it is important we must know and understand what we are doing to back up with what we do.
We have a history and background, a culture and tradition. A deep cultural influence that which we came from, with this sense, it is important that we keep our cultural heritage and create a change of idea, a philosophy, a common orientation and understanding of our people and dance.
Etagweyo Vincent Onokurte
artistic director dredvgil dance
www.theversionblogspot.com
IMAGINATION
IMAGINATION
In my solo dance piece, “IMAGINATION” Etagweyo Vincent Onokurte a young radiant choreographer explore through the realm of his body language and gesticulation of his philosophy ideology of racism and conflict. Ironically imagination evolves from the pang from the society and most of the fraction between tribal wars and religious genocide. Over time African humanitarian artilleries (AFA) have been going round from community to community about these issue of tribal genocide, but each time the society is engage in a solution, a sudden destruction emerge. This is political destruction the society experience day in day out.
It flows like virus beneath the society, slowly eating up people. Then, the prime of one soul to survive inside these hood is not justify. What then does these lives have if they will Skell through in the jungle?
MUSIC
The music is viable weapon. The instrument depicts the struggle of each stages of life. Some are in constant influence of the power that falls on hand. Ignorantly using these medium as a point of contact to harm others. Take life and do commit whatever crime they want. While for some is the revise. They use these gift to help and change both them self and the society around them.
I used three deferent music to reach out my own feelings of how things should be done and educate fox as well. Two African music and a western dialog (United state of American) the first is a singer named DESS REE. She is so inspiring. When I first listen to music. I knew immediately that this song will fit into my creation. I didn't hesitate to grab it for my work. The second is from Benin. From a noble chanter-man whose music and voice echoes as a weapon it cut arose regions and communities around the globe. His instrument depicts the how to cultivate traditional and moral intelligence. The third is from Nigeria. A soul traditional musician. A prince whose ideas and intuition of music of life is historical. He uses the context of today's situation. Especially the youths to expresses his own kind of music. His words are rebel in positive minds. Positive thinking. Helping one to know and understand his background.
CHAIR
the chair is another method of which I used to execute my own ideology and the philosophical mentality of the pang around me. I feel use the chair is a weapon of talking about the ills in the society. The wrong deeds that is happing to our people in the southern part of Nigeria. This is how many people where killed because of the raw material over there. Today delta state is not a conducive environment for tourist to visit. Youths over there now are frustrated which leads about the use of guns to survive. The north, is another genocide. People are killed in the name of SHARIA law. And so on around Africa. Deferent stories everywhere. How leaders are tutoring people about, children are sent to fight in a combats. These are the things I believe. “Even if they refuse to listen, we have prove a point to them in our own way. They can't turn there ear forever. The truth will always be seen”.
Ironically the chair as a symbol of power and destruction, I also place this as a point of contact with every human being. If we look deep inside our heart, we realize that we are not so pure as we think we are. It is just a pretext that we are in the face of the earth.
WHITE WRAPPER
A symbol of peace and unity within the lives of humanity and animals. Every living thing that breaths and walk on the surface of the earth. I use the wrapper as a way to convey an idea, to experiment in deferent methods and ways to able to show how the mind or the second sense of a humans heart is. In every pure heart there is a spot that is not pure or clear. That is to say; it comes a time when a mans heart conceive hatred towards somebody. Consciously or unconsciously the mind on it own conceive these evil syndrome. Sometimes it manifest, while most time it doesn't.
CONTEXT OF THE MOVEMENT
The movement are based on true stories, both my life history and situations around me. Body gestures, words, smiling, screaming, people standing, bus driver and it passengers, market square, the conflict, wars and e.t.c. Each time I see things around it makes me to reflect on something that has happened before or some times I will just visualize stuff ahead. Some say we artist think ahead of every human. I think that is true, because we see things in a deferent way and react to them in an artistic manner.
The movement which I deed in the piece were abstract and a mixture of traditional dance which is the influence I cultivate in the piece. Each movement has it manner of approach, each steps has it's own sequence and rhythm, each gesture has it own funny way or clownish way that depicts one or a situation around us. And each time the movement changes the feelings change too. These gives the piece a deferent type of idea.
Etagweyo Vincent Onokurte
artistic director dredvgil dance
www.theversionblogspot.com