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Prince Alban Gogo Anyanwu: Renowned Sculptor, Educator and Administrator (1934 - 2023)
Prince Gogo studied Fine Arts at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1961-1962) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1962-1965) becoming one of the two pioneer graduates of sculpture at the University of Nigeria.
Prince Alban Gogo Anyanwu (1934 - 2023) Renowned Sculptor, Educator and Administrator
Prince Gogo studied Fine Arts at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1961-1962) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1962-1965) becoming one of the two pioneer graduates of sculpture at the University of Nigeria. He was a seasoned, mature, experienced professional artist and teacher especially in Creative Arts. He was deliberate in all his endeavours, manifesting unusual talent and skills.
As a fulfilled educator with deep knowledge in all subjects, Prince Gogo taught in primary, secondary, teacher-training, and tertiary institutions as Headmaster, Principal of Colleges, Lecturer (the pioneer sculpture lecturer in the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT – Enugu, 1972-1976) before joining the Imo State Government after its creation in 1976. He was a Chief Inspector of Education for Creative Arts, Director of State Archives, and the pioneer Director of the Council for Arts and Culture, a role that created the opportunity for him to direct creative arts and culture in the old Imo State.
In his late 70s, driven by passion for quality education, Prince Gogo started a series of penetrating orientation lectures titled – ‘Revolution in Education through the Creative Arts’. The lectures were delivered to secondary schools in Imo State, Nigeria. Those lectures were documented in 3 Creative Art books which he authored and published. The books were presented to the public in 2014 during his 80th birthday celebration.
In 1981, Prince Gogo opened a big Art Studio and Gallery – known as ‘Prefab Galleries’ at Owerri, Imo State where he produced so many art works – drawings, sculptures and paintings. Since his graduation, he has executed over 200 gigantic sculpture pieces and paintings and has participated in solo and group Art Exhibitions.
Inappropriately, Prince Gogo’s Art Studio and Gallery was demolished in a most barbaric manner in May 2010 – he lost many of his artworks (sculpture pieces and paintings) and that of his son, a graduate painter. Though in 2020, a Court Judgment was delivered in favour of Prince Gogo against the Imo State Housing Corporation (for trespassing) by a competent court of jurisdiction, the belated justice (after 10 years) cannot substitute the destroyed artworks of a renowned professional artist.
On April 2, 2023, Prince Gogo’s journey on earth ended and he returned to his Creator. To celebrate this exceptional STAR and mark one year of his passing, we immortalised him by erecting a life-size bronze bust of him mounted in front of his house in Owerri where Prefab Galleries is located. The bronze statue was produced by Dr Chile Oparaocha, a professor of sculpture at the Department of Fine Arts and Design, University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria (attached are some of the photos of the bust).
To further immortalise this Art Legend after two years of his passing, we have launched a website in his honour – www.prefabgalleries.com, where we invite everyone to watch a 2009 interview by Africa-Related https://youtu.be/tXquu6670AU aired repeatedly in a couple of Multichoice channels and photo speak https://photos.app.goo.gl/tRTFL5h6RSnTYLcx9 showcasing his art life spanning four scores and nine.
New Book, ‘A Samson In The Wild’, Reveals Rare Insights into Men’s Struggle
‘A Samson In The Wild’ aims to inspire and uplift the faith community and serves as a meaningful gift to Men in the Church from the renowned artiste Bright Andrew Igho, also known as B-Elect.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
A Samson In The Wild: Front Cover Design by Uchenna Ohagwu. Illustrated by Bright Igho. Published by Africa-Related
The book aims to inspire and uplift the faith community and serves as a meaningful gift to Men in the Church from the renowned artiste Bright Andrew Igho, also known as B-Elect.
'A Samson In The Wild' (2nd Edition). Narrated by Onimisi Adaba. Available in audiobook.
'A Samson In The Wild' (2nd Edition) was released posthumously on February 19, 2025 - what would have been the 57th birthday of the multifaceted artiste Bright Andrew Igho, who is better known by his artistic name, B-Elect.
The book delves deeply into years of struggles and ultimately explores the myriad downsides faced by a character named Adrian, who embarks on a tumultuous journey through a wilderness characterized by careless living, all while grappling with his faltering belief in Jesus as his Lord and savior. This tumultuous path ultimately leads him to a final and transformative submission to his true calling.
“B’s message and mission must continue, and I hope this book motivates someone, especially young men, to rethink very important life choices.”
‘A Samson In The Wild’ stands out as a powerful narrative rich in its portrayals, insightful character breakdowns, and intriguing stories that captivate the reader's attention. It serves as the author's profound testimony, guiding readers through emotional highs and devastating lows, which ultimately pave the way to redemption. Amidst the themes of defeat, shame, and weakness associated with the experience of ‘backsliding’, hope and optimism remain steadfast and ever-present constants throughout the journey.
“We revived the manuscript two years after his passing, and I made it my personal assignment to bring the book to life,” his widow, Mrs. Patricia N. Igho, said with a sense of purpose. “Imagining it on the shelves of bookstores and homes alike, his powerful message passed on to generations unborn, was my unwavering drive.” They were married for seven years before his untimely demise.
The 218-page turner is set in Nigeria and uses a variety of interesting characters and features, such as poetry, Bible verses, and music/poetry lyrics, to tell an engaging and life-changing story. It was first published in Nigeria by Worital Global and also invited collaborations from the author's friends and family. These include Verdant Zeal’s CEO, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, who contributed the foreword, as well as Lagos-based visual artist Uchenna ‘Minista Busta’ Ohagwu, who designed the eye-catching book cover; and author/friend Maurice E. Okereke, who provided insightful commentary on the book. The audiobook was narrated by Onimisi Adaba.
Emeka Ejiofor in Nigeria praised the book, saying, "I just read the book and found it interesting with many lessons. I'll recommend it to anyone struggling with moral issues, as it clearly shows the physical and spiritual consequences of those actions.”
B-The Artiste
The Author Bright Andrew Igho a.k.a B-Elect (Photo by Uchenna Ohagwu)
Early ‘Naija Hip Hop’ heads will forever remember ‘B’ as a foundational father of the Hip Hop genre in Nigeria, with the group “Thorobreds”and their award-winning debut track “Street Hop”. The six-pack comprise Elajoe, Tobechukwu ‘Ilbliss’ Ejiofor, Obiora ‘Obiwon’ Nwokolobiagu, Amaka 'Da Chief Rocka’ Nwosu, Bright ‘B-Elect’ Igho and Ikenna ‘MGB’ Ezenriyoha.
His previous materials include “Beats Rhymes and Theology” (2006) and the ground-breaking album "Hard Listeners” (2011).
In seeming preparedness for his eternal departure, Igho delivers a complete package with the thoughtful completion of this book in 2016. That same year, he made a return to the music scene with a fresh, new sound and concept EP titled “The Gospel Truf" (2016), which he described as "a surreal, sporadic, elect-trical flow on sparse piano chords and boombap traditional drums." The material was inspired by profound Biblical insights, his rededication to faith, and served as a prelude to this book, ‘A Samson In the Wild’.
The captivating cover art features characters from the book - two pieces of striking visual paintings taken from the author’s art collection that beautifully accompany the written work.
The 2nd edition of ‘A Samson In the Wild’ is available online from February 19, 2025, in ebook, audiobook and paperback versions. New York production house Africa-Related is tagged to produce a screen adaptation of the book in 2026.
About the Author
Bright Andrew Igho a.k.a B-Elect (February 19, 1968 - June 8, 2019) left a significant impact on the Nigerian art and music scene through his multifaceted talents as a prolific writer, poet, rap enthusiast and visual artist. He attained critical success with his unique writing style and thought-provoking lyrics. His previous materials include “Beats Rhymes and Theology” (2006) and the ground-breaking album "Hard Listeners” (2011). He returned with a fresh new sound and concept EP “The Gospel Truf" (2016). His first published book, ‘A Samson In The Wild’, was released posthumously on June 12, 2024. His legacy and influence continue to be felt in global creative space, through his work and wife Mrs. Patricia Ndidi Igho.
About the Publisher
Africa-Related Inc., is the 2nd edition publisher, and is a dynamic media content production house that operates in both Nigeria and the United States. The production house is dedicated to sharing and highlighting stories from an authentic African perspective. Africa-Related consistently delivers on excellence at every stage of the process, from concept to final distribution. Author Contact
Photos: B-Elect Legacy
MESSENGERS
Learn more about B-Elect featured in Season 4 of the TV series MESSENGERS. Coming in Q2 2025. Subscribe to @africarelatedinc for notifications.
Extremely Popular Play "This Is Our Chance" Revisited
This Is Our Chance, is arguably the first full-length play by an African author in the English language. Written while Ene Henshaw was a medical student in Dublin, Ireland, This is Our Chance, has undergone many reprints, and has been extremely popular in West Africa since its first production by the Association of Students of African Descent in Dublin in 1948.
This Is Our Chance, is arguably the first full-length play by an African author in the English language. Written while Ene Henshaw was a medical student in Dublin, Ireland, This is Our Chance, has undergone many reprints, and has been extremely popular in West Africa since its first production by the Association of Students of African Descent in Dublin in 1948.
Since its publication in 1956, it has gone on to become one of the classics of African literature, read widely and performed in schools and colleges across the English-speaking Commonwealth.
Princess Kudaro and Prince Ndamu have been sent by their fathers, Chief Damba of Koloro and Chief Mboli of Udura, to be educated in a big city. Despite the fact that their communities have been long-standing rivals and venomously hate each other, they fall in love and enjoy the care-free anonymity of city life. However, both are simultaneously called back home to their villages.
Princess Kudaro is tutored in her father’s palace by Bambulu, an intelligent though self-important
and pompous character who has had a Western European education. Their quarrelsome relationship propels the central theme of the play, the tug between modernity in the western sense and traditional African customs and tradition. While Kudaro blindly and impetuously reacts to the stifling ways of life in the village, Bambulu argues for change, though his prescription verges around the more superficial aspects of western habits and conduct.
When Kudaro elopes with Ndamu, Bambulu becomes the scapegoat for her insurrection. He is arrested and threatened with death. Eventually, Kudaro falls into the hands of Mboli’s soldiers and in an ironic twist, Prince Ndamu is captured by Damba’s troops. Both chiefs, stubborn and fiercely proud, wrestle with the conflicting weights of tradition, enmity and parental love.
Common sense prevails and Damba releases Prince Ndamu with a message of peace to his father, Chief Mboli.
The themes and issues covered in This Is Our Chance: the tug between tradition and modernity, inter-tribal enmity, forbidden love and the challenges of leadership are as pertinent today as they were when the play was published.
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Book Presentation: BUT FOR GOD by Tom Adaba at LABAF 25th Edition
The 25th Edition of The Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF) holding at Lagos Freedom Park on November 13-19, 2023; promises to be a seven-day communal feast with top global literary giants.
Africa-related, new york
Book Cover: But For God by Aaze Tom Adaba. Published by Parrésia Publishers
The 25th Edition of The Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF) holding at Lagos Freedom Park on November 13-19, 2023; promises to be a seven-day communal feast with top global literary giants.
Tom Adaba Legacy Project invites you to a hybrid book presentation
CORA BOOK TREK 'The Joy of Reading' at Lagos Art & Book Festival (LABAF) presents the 2nd Edition Release of BUT FOR GOD by Aaze Tom Adaba (OON)
Date: Nov 18, 2023
Time: 05:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: CORA Library & Resource Centre, Freedom Park Lagos
Tom Adaba Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 893 8099 7152
Passcode: BFG
For more info visit www.tomadabalegacy.com
“This is a campaign for LITERACY with the aim of deepening EDUCATION, ENLIGHTENMENT and EMPOWERMENT – all in the cause of Nation-Building.”
LABAF 25.0
This 7-day extravaganza promises an immersive experience celebrating LIFE & IDEA through the instrumentality of the Arts. This is a campaign for LITERACY with the aim of deepening EDUCATION, ENLIGHTENMENT and EMPOWERMENT – all in the cause of Nation-Building. It's a communal feast not to be missed.
LABAF Zoom details:
Meeting ID: 83916542451
Passcode: LABAF25.0
Books featured at the 25th edition of LABAF 2023.
EXHIBITION: THE MET Tributes CHEIK DIOP With ‘African Origin of Civilization’
The exhibition highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Photo: metmuseum.org
The ongoing exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY titled The African Origin of Civilization, may be a vindication of sorts, of the Senegalese historian Cheik Anta Diop’s previously debunked theory about Africa’s time and place in the global civilization discourse.
In his 1974 book The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, Diop challenged what history had long taught about Africa.
The exhibition bulletin highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent. Twenty-one pairings unite masterpieces from the Museum's collections of ancient Egyptian and West and Central African art to reveal unexpected parallels and contrasts across time and cultures.
“The African Origin of Civilization will remain on view while The Met’s galleries of Sub-Saharan African Art are closed for the complete renovation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. The re-envisioned wing is expected to reopen in 2024, and will feature three distinct suites of galleries for Sub-Saharan African Art, Ancient American Art, and Oceanic Art.
- The MET Museum -
The Met continues to set an encouraging example to museums worldwide by giving well-earned spaces to their African Ancient & Oceanic Art sections. Our own museum coverage and experience show that in most cases, these sections are reserved at farther wings from the main space, leaving visitors sometimes discouraged by distance, time or exhaustion.
The exhibition opened on December 14, 2021 and remains ongoing.
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Opening: Builders Hub Community Learning & Resource Centre
Builders Hub Foundation founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Okehi L.G.A, Kogi State, Nigeria
Photos by Africa-Related
Barr. Natasha Akpoti of Builders Hub Foundation surrounded by the school children who benefited from the program. (Africa-Related)
Builders Hub Foundation, founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The mission is to promote literacy through tutoring, workshops, skills development and ICT in these underserved communities. Additional support came from The Dangote Foundation, National Inland Waterways Authority and Lantern Books. Donations continue to pour in.
The Centre is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jimoh Akpoti, whose selfless service still impacts the people today.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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