Abuja Women Monthly Meeting at Blucabana on Thursday, May 2

The Ladies' International Social Club of Abuja (LISCOA) are having their monthly meeting this week. Details below:

Date: Thursday, 2nd May 2013Time: 10:00 A.M
Fee: N2,000 per person
Speaker: Dr. Chantal Tannous
Topic: What you need to know about malaria & other tropical diseases

May's Special:  a Mini-Bazaar.  
Participants are the following:
Mrs. Chinyere who will be displaying clothes of her design
Mrs. Adjara who will be displaying Jewellery of her design
Mrs. Tzipy who will be displaying Jewellery of her design
Angels of Joy - whose proceedings will all go to charity- will be displaying place-mats, towels & cushions.

RSVP is required by Wednesday May 1st:
liscoa2013@yahoo.com
abujaiwc@yahoo.com
dohasarieddine@yahoo.com

Health seminar this weekend - organised by the Ladies' International Social Club of Abuja

"The secret lies in our own breath. Through breathing exercises, certain breathing techniques and
some practice of meditation, we can rekindle positive vibrations within and around us."
Photo from www.artofliving.org

The Abuja International Women's Club, now known as the Ladies' International Social Club of Abuja (LISCOA), and the Art of Living are offering a 3-day seminar on The Art of Living, (3 hours a day) on Friday 26th, Saturday 27th, and Sunday 28th of April from 09:00 to 12:00 at the BluCabana Lounge. 

The objective of this workshop is to introduce breathing techniques and basic meditation that will allow you reduce stress levels, have better sense of happiness and enthusiasm, increase your confidence, and enhance your interpersonal skills. The seminar will be conducted by Mr. Ravi Bhatia. 

Workshop fee per person is: N15,000 for members of LISCOA and 17,000 for non-members.

To participate, please send email to any of the following emails:

liscoa2013@yahoo.com 

abujaiwc@yahoo.com 

dohasarieddine@yahoo.com

In Abuja... Lady InspiroLogos launches project and book at the Transcorp Hilton today, April 6

“Not only am I acutely familiar with the physical pain of SCD (Sickle Cell Disease), I also lost my brother to this chronic condition. I am therefore committed to doing everything I can to enlighten the youth of today to make choices that will tomorrow prevent babies yet unborn from walking the painful, perilous path that I and over 5 million other Nigerians have to walk in battling this invalidating, life-long, blood disorder known as sickle cell disease.” 

These are the words of Ms Ifueko Fex Ogbomo, CEO of InspiroLogos World Creative Consult, who is launching her S.S.C.C. PROJECT (Stop the Sickle Cell Cycle) today, 6th April 2013, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The S.S.C.C. Project says Ms Ogbomo “is a movement for absolute prevention of sickle cell disease in Nigeria... where an average of 416 babies afflicted with SCD are born on a daily basis, making it a national concern,” adding that “The overall goal of the S.S.C.C. Project is to systematically reduce the national burden of SCD, via prevention of future SCD births. To that end, the S.S.C.C Project is targeted at youth who are yet to procreate; educating and encouraging them, via the media, arts and entertainment, to prevent future sickle cell births.”

A bundle of energy

Ms Ogbomo, who also goes by the name Lady InspiroLogos, is a performance poet, voice-artist, author, and speaker. Her repertoire as an artist includes performances at the highest level - in front of President Goodluck Jonathat at the Presidential Flood Relief Fund Raising Dinner at the Villa in November 2012, performance at the 18th National Economic Summit Dinner in Abuja, and at the Bring Back the Book Presidential Campaign Launch in Bayelsa also last year to name only a few. Armed with a B. A. Honours in Music (with a minor in Computer Science) from Texas Lutheran Universitym, USA, Ms Ogbomo “is a prize-winning poet who is best celebrated for her spectacular spoken word performances which are both entertaining and inspiring. Winner of the Young Start Martin Luther King Human Rights writing contest in Nigeria in 2012, she combines her poetic writing and speaking gifts and her love for musical theatre in her original, tailored-for-the-event poetic tributes.”

Author and personal motto

Also to be launched is Ms Ogbomo’s autobiographical book Yellow Eyes Gone White! An Inspiring Journey of Triumph Over Sickle Cell Disease, published by Dorrance Publishing Co. USA, which “holds many insights on prevention, care and management of SCD, while carrying the reader on a journey through the eyes of a survivor of SCD.” Her personal motto ‘I aspire to inspire with words,’ she says, is the inspiration for her self-invented moniker Lady InspiroLogos. For more info about the works of Ms Ogbomo, call her at +234-703 6299 223 or +234-805 4880 395 or visit her website at www.inspirologosworld.com.

In Abuja... An Art Exhibition at the Transcorp Hilton

An art exhibition being organised by the Centre for Deaf Right & Empowerment takes place on 3rd to 5th of April 2013 at the Transcorp Hilton. The aim of the exhibition is to raise awareness on the plight of people with hearing disabilities. For more details, please contact Dr. Anne Enyi at 07064491081.

The aim of CDRE is "To help create sustainable development and interventions in opportunities that deaf people can take, thereby enabling deaf people particularly women to become independent, productive and valuable members of society." 

More about CDRE at www.thecdre.org.

In Lagos... Cine Fiesta Enters 2nd Day, Free Admission

Black Heritage Festival is taking place at Freedom Park, near City Hall, Lagos.  Entrance is free!

Easter Weekend at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja

If you re you still thinking about where to spend quality and fun-filled time with the family, try the Transcorp Hilton. Their Easter Package offer is packed full of fun for you and the family! Call +234 94613003 to make a reservation today. From Friday 29th March, it promises to be an 'eggciting' Easter at the Transcorp Hilton!

Exciting day at the Abuja Literary Society's Monthly BookJam

Left to right: Lady InspiroLogos, Ken Ike, and a cross-section of the audience
during the National Poetry Slam held on 6th July 2012 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
Photos by Inside Track. 

Bookjam holds this Good Friday, March 29, at Lifestyle Bookstore, Silverbird Entertainment Centre. Time: 7pm prompt. ALS features: Lady Inspirologos (Yellow Eyes Gone White), a true story of the author's struggle with sickle cell anemia; Sally Williams (Bird Eye), her debut anthology with an elegant twist; and R & B, pop and soft rock singer, Age Beeka.

NB: Book of the Month (April), Death and the King's Horsemen by Wole Soyinka and Book of the Month (May), There Was a Country by the late Chinua Achebe.

ABOUT ALS
ALS meets every, 1st Friday of the month at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 7p.m; Second Friday @ Silverbird Entertainment Centre Abuja 7pm, Third Fridays @ Salamander Cafe, Abuja; BookJam holds every Last Friday of the month at Silverbird Entertainment Centre Abuja 6pm; Abuja Poetry Slam (performance Poetry competition) holds in March, June, September, and the Grand Slam will be in December. Special Guest writers will normally feature at the First Friday readings @ the Hilton. Special workshops, retreats and exchanges are part of our programmes. ALS can help you with manuscript editing ,organize a book presentation, marketing or special literary nights/events.

FMI, SMS: Chinelo: 08067958680; Ken: 0803-155-2555; or Victor: 0803-311-7246.

In Abuja... Easter carnival and dog show

There's going to be a 2-day Easter carnival on 31st March and 1st April 2013 from 9:00am to 5:00pm on both days here in Abuja. Activities will include Easter egg-hunt, mini-soccer, bouncy castles and the like, plus a dog show and competition. The event is being organized by Beechvale International Limited. Venue is at the Julius Berger Shooting Range, Kado.

Gate Fees will be charged for different categories: children, couples, adults, family, etc. Click on the organisers' website BIL ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS for more details.

Abuja Writers Forum... Guest Writer Session on March 30

From the Abuja Writers Forum: Guest Writer Session on March 30 at 4:00pm

Tanimu Lagi and Ater Sawa, two writers with a background in Mass Communication will feature in the Easter edition of the Abuja Writers Forum’s (AWF) Guest Writer Session which holds on March 30 at Hamdala Plaza, Plot 23, Jimmy Carter Street, off Protea Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja.

Tanimu Sule Lagi, whose latest novel, The BOFAK Illusion appears on the Parisea imprint, is an indigene of Wamba in Nasarawa State and has a fascination for criminal satire. He studied Mass Communication at the University of Jos and later attended the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos. He had a stint in News reporting with the Platau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) in the old Platau State, as a crime correspondent.

In the last ten years, Lagi has been involved in corporate legal practice, having also qualified as a lawyer. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered mediators and conciliators (ICMC)

and lives in Jos with his family.

In Abuja... Mountain hiking, with free t-shirt from Globacom and refreshment for participants

CLICK ON IMAGE
TO ENLARGE

The African Street Writer is calling on poets, writers, comedians and musicians and the general public to join a mountain climbing activity with poetry, music and comedy,  on 30th March 2013 (Easter Saturday).

Meeting place is the Wonderland Amusement Park. 

According to the organisers, The African Street Writer:

Mountain-hikers to get
free T-shirts from GLOBACOM
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

"This event is free, including all the materials and refreshments. You can as well customize the t-shirt to be provided by Globacom with your name. Interested participant who want their name customized on their t-shirt should please call 08065644244 or 08189114296 on or before 12noon on Friday 29th March, 2013 (participants automatically gets a reserved t-shirt which their name appear on). Like our page to get more update on this event and subsequent events." (Visit their website for more details at www.theafricanstreetwriter.com).

In Abuja... Celebrating World Theatre Day today, March 27

Scenes from the Spanish play Eloise is Under an Almond Tree,
as performed by the Jos Repertory Theatre on October 8, 2012, during the
7th Spanish Cultural Week. Photos by INSIDE TRACK

The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP Abuja Chapter) will join theatre practitioners across the world in the celebration of this year's World Theatre Day, today, Wednesday 27th March, 2013.

In collaboration with the Arts & Culture Departments of the FCT Social Development Secretariat and other private theatre companies and outfits in Abuja, NANTAP Abuja have the following activities lined up:

In Ogun State.... Every picture tells a story

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY...

You are invited to a public viewing of photos taken by students of the Baptist Boys High School, on 26th to 27th of March 2013, at the BBHS Hall, Oke-Sage, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Time is from 10am to 3pm on both days.

Flashback... Chinua Achebe in Abuja

Chinua Achebe in Abuja, with members of the planning committee of the
Festival on Igbo Civilization in 2009. Photos by Araceli Aipoh

In January 2009, I received an invitation to attend a press conference in honour of Chinua Achebe at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. It was in commemoration of the 50th year anniversary of his novel Things Fall Apart.

I don't know if that was the last time he was in Nigeria, but it certainly was the first after 10 years. The press conference was organised by the planning committee of the Festival on Igbo Civilization.

According to Wikipedia, Achebe moved to the United States in 1972, following an offer of professorship by the University of Massachusettes Amherst.

It means he lived outside Nigeria since then, and it means that by going to the press conference I am more lucky than the majority of Nigerians who had never had a glimpse of one of the most brilliant novelists in the world. Wole Soyinka may have won the Noble Prize, but none of Soyinka's works and none of all literary works in Nigeria can match the genius that went into the writing of TFA.

In Abuja... Girl talk with dinner

LEFT PHOTO: Yacine, Maria, Denise (back), Victoria, Hilary (back), Thalie, and Emanuela
RIGHT PHOTO:   Front - Araceli, Maria, Victoria and Emanuela. Back - Denise, Hilary and Yacine

For many diplomats, life is about a series of comings and goings. It can be fun, but it can be tough as well. Fun because you get the chance to visit or reside in different countries, know different cultures, meet different types of people... and tough because you make new friends only to part ways with them again in a matter of time. And just when you have settled down to enjoy the new environment (as the case may be), someone in the Home Office is telling you to pack your things and move to another post – and that’s how the cycle goes. For those who have chosen this path, I guess they are very much aware of the system and they get used to it in time. They get used to the welcome and farewell parties, the packing and dealing with moving companies, and saying hello as often as you say goodbye.

Last Saturday, 16 March 2013, Victoria Tunba, who is with the American Embassy, said goodbye to her colleagues in the diplomatic world here in Abuja. Her tour of duty in Nigeria is over and she is going back to the United States for good. A farewell dinner in her honour was hosted by Yacine Ba, Ambassador’s P.A. at the Canadian High Commission. I was one of the invited guests... along with Yacine’s and Victoria’s colleagues from a few embassies in Abuja.

Yacine is a most gracious and vivacious hostess, entertaining us with a multiple-course dinner that we enjoyed along with the conversations. I liked that the night had a very informal feeling – all very light, and friendly, and cozy. And Yacine has a lovely home, filled with art works – paintings and carvings – a couple of family photographs, a potted plant just at the right place, a veranda with a magnificent view... and it’s perfect.

And despite the heavy rain that night, I was glad I was able to go because I met all these lovely, lovely ladies and I enjoyed listening to them. Had the chance to talk with Victoria and ask her a couple of questions, like what did she enjoy most while she was in Abuja and she said, “As you may know, there isn’t much to do around here. But I do enjoy giving myself a chance to read and to discuss what I’ve read with the ladies from the American community. I’ve never joined a book club before coming to Abuja. And because I love traveling, the other thing I enjoyed while here was traveling outside of Abuja . . . though I’ve only been to places like the pottery in Bwari, Gurara Falls, and Kaduna which was the farthest place I’ve been to – as a day trip in Nigeria; trip that was taken in January of this year.”

As I post this, she has but a few hours left before she boards a plane back to California.. Her parting message to expats who are coming to Nigeria for the first is simple and practical and that is: “Make effort to meet people outside your community.”

I couldn’t agree more.

So goodbye, Victoria. We at  INSIDE TRACK ABUJA wish you all the best!

The Garden Restaurant and Cafe, at Wuse 2, Abuja

The Garden, in Abuja (Photos from The Garden Facebook page)

In line with INSIDE TRACK's wish to provide useful information to our readers regarding entertainment in Abuja, I  am doing a research on the various establishments where one can relax, have a drink, get some food and listen to music. To this end, I was told to check a place called The Garden, a restaurant and cafe located at The River Plate Park, 147 Ahmadu Bello Way, Wuse 2, Abuja. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  There are various events created regularly by the management, complete with a live band. You can keep track of their calendar by following them on Facebook at The Garden Abuja or call 0813 072 4617 for more information. If you have been to this place and would like to tell us about your experience, please feel free to do so. (Photos culled from THE GARDEN Facebook page.)

In Calabar... International Jazz Festival set for Easter debut

Culled from www.afriticket.com

Not content with hosting the world famous Calabar Festival each December, Cross River State is set to be the location for yet another international music treat, the Calabar Jazz Festival, slated for the upcoming Easter weekend.

The decision to make the Calabar Jazz Festival an annual event is a direct result of the success of the jazz concerts held during the Calabar Festival, and the demand from the more discerning consumer for a jazz event in a more intimate setting.

Sighted in Abuja.... Bianca Ojukwu, Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain

CLICK TO ENLARGE
H.E. Bianca Ojukwu, Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain

Lawyer, former beauty queen (Miss Martini 1988 and Miss Intercontinental 1989), and now Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain, Her Excellency Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was at the French Institute in Abuja on 11th March 2013 during the Round Table on The Role of Women Towards a Transformation of the Society, jointly organised by the Embassy of France, Embassy of Spain, and the Female Artists Association of Nigeria. Ambassador Ojukwu wore a traditional Nigerian dress which complimented her light complexion. I think she is one of Nigeria's most enigmatic women.

Meanwhile... watch a movie

There's an ongoing film festival at the French Institute. Tonight, March 20 at 7pm,  discover the last movie by Bouli Lanners: "The Giants." A cocktail will be offered by the Embassy of Belgium after the screening

Free and open to all!

In Abuja... World Poetry Day at the Korean Cultural Center

To commemorate the World Poetry Day 2013, Arojah Concepts, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center (Embassy of Korea), presents the 3rd Korea - Nigeria Poetry Feast, an evening of poetry feasting in honour of womanhood.

Prizes will be presented to winners of this year's edition of the POETRY COMPETITION

Chairman: Chief Nyesom Wike (Hon Minister of State for Education)
Sp. Guests: Ambassador A.A. Musa (PS, Ministry of Petroleum)
Ambassador S. Kilander (Sweden Embassy)
Mr. Eriata Orhibhabor (Chair, ANA Abuja)
Prof. Ruqqayat Ahmed (Minister of Education)
Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (Minister of State Education)

Hosts: High Chief Edem Duke (Minister of Culture)
H.E. Amb., Jeung Hyun Choi (Ambassador of Korea)

Guest Poet: Lady Inspirologo (Ifueko Ogbomo)
Onimisi 'Wordsworth' Adejoh

Date: Thursday 21st March, 2013
Time: 4.00 - 6.00pm prompt
Venue: Korean Cultural Center, 2nd Floor, Rivers Plaza, Ralph Sodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja.

Are you a WOMAN or a POET. You could also be both. Then, you are cordially invited!

You might have a chance to read your poem, meet your favourite poet, or find a poem made just for you...
Enquiries: 0803 453 0786

This Saturday in Abuja... Lebanese lunch for charity

To celebrate Mothers' Day (which is celebrated in Lebanon on the 21st of March) the Ladies of Charity are organizing a Lebanese Lunch at the Ceasar's Restaurant (facing Chopsticks).  Come and celebrate motherhood on Saturday March 23rd, 2013 at 13:00 and have taste delicious Lebanese food!

All Proceeds go to charity.

For reservation, please send an email to dohasarieddine@yahoo.com or call 0807 226 66 66.

In Abuja... Former Vice-President of Spain heads round table discussion on women

Round Table on the Role of Women Towards the Transformation of Society.
From left to right: Mrs. Unoma Giese, Mrs. Halima Oyelade, Mrs. Alidou Hassana,
Mrs. Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, Mrs. Ngozi Akande,
Mrs. Patience Ekeba, Mrs. Ojobo Atuluku, and Mrs. Ezenwa
(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Her Excellency Ma. Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, former Vice President of the Government of Spain and current President of a foundation called Women for Africa, was one of the guests speakers at a round table discussion on the topic The Role of Women Towards a Transformation of the Society on 11th March 2013 at the Institut Francaise du Nigeria. The round table was held in the framework of the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, jointly organised by the Embassy of Spain, Embassy of France, and the Female Artists Association of Nigeria.

Joining Mrs. Fernandez de la Vega at the round table were: Mrs. Ngozi Akande (President of Female Artists Association of Nigeria); Prof. Alidou Hassana (Officer in Charge, UNESCO); Mrs. Halima Oyelade (Director, Zuma Festival); Mrs. Patience Ekeoba (Women Rights Coordinator, ActionAid and Chair of the Development Partners Group on Gender in Nigeria); Mrs. Ojobo Atuluku (Director, Development in Practice); and Mrs. Ezenwa (MD/CEO Le Look Nigeria Ltd).

Mrs. Unoma Giese, left,
and Mrs. Halima Oyelade

The guests talked about their personal experiences while promoting women-related causes and projects that would contribute to the transformation not only of the lives of women – especially those who are helpless and uninformed – but also of the society where they live. Speaking through an interpreter, Mrs. De la Vega, the first woman to become Vice-President of her country, Spain, said “When you are given the power or the position to do something, then you have to use it, to exercise it,” adding that “women make progress through laws, policies, and money (public funding).” 

The round table was moderated by Mrs. Unoma Giese, a writer and photographer and member of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria. 

Also making an appearance at the event was H. E. Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, current Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain, as well as the Ambassadors of France, Spain, and Finland.

According to the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, H.E. Alvaro Castillo Aguilar, the purpose of the visit of Mrs. Fernandez de la Vega to Nigeria is “to sign a MoU with ECOWAS Commission, to establish a first contact with the Nigerian film industry and to have a real perception of women in Nigeria.”

These photos were taken at the event.

From left to right:
The Ambassador of France, Ambassador of Finland,
and Ambassador of Spain

In Abuja... Woks & Koi Chinese Cuisine

Local Elections are being held in Abuja today. Means movement by the general public is limited or restricted.  Most people are staying at home except those who will go out and vote. It will last from 7am to 5pm. Meanwhile...

One of the most popular restaurants serving Chinese cuisine here in Abuja is the Woks and Koi Chinese Cuisine, conveniently located inside the Silverbird Entertainment Centre. It is managed by an expat and the chef cook is also an expat.  Average meal per person is between N3,000 to N5,000. Service is quick and portions are generous.

CLICK TO ENLARGE
Woks & Koi

CLICK TO ENLARGE
Woks & Koi

In Lagos... Ghanaian singer to perform live at the Jazzhole

Ghanaian singer, Efya, will perform live at the Jazzhole, 168 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, 17th March 2013,  at 5pm. Gate fee is N3,500.