Catalogue of Nominees from the States

CATALOGUE OF NOMINEES FROM THE STATES - 2007

1. Oral Traditions and Expressions including Language as aVehicle for the transmission

No / State/Zone / Name / Sex / Age / Craft
1 / Akwa Ibom / Sunday Okon William / M / 54 / Dexterous application of proverbs in speech (proverbs are in near extinction in AkwaIbomState). This ability is highly regarded as an outstanding virtue and it was a major qualifying factor for consideration into many traditional institutions. Today, Mr. William is an acknowledged authority in Ibibio proverbs and has published a book on the anthology of Ibibio proverbs.
2 / Rivers / Elder Bliss Iyalla / M / 70s / Versed in oral traditions and expressions of the local Kalabari dialect .
3 / Rivers / Chief Beresiri / M / Versed in the oral tradition and authored some books on the culture of the Bonny people.
4 / Rivers / Elechi Amadi / M / Renowned writer who integrated the traditional idioms in his works.
5 / Rivers / Madam Adaobi Whyte / F / Renowned writer and proponent of culture and tradition.
.
6 / Rivers / Mary Girls Social Club of Abonema / F / Produced several albums in Kalabari language thereby projecting the traditions and cultural imagery of the people.
7 / Rivers / First Owuama Ogbo of Okirika / M / This is a male cultural group. They use songs to record the tradition of the people with regard to entertainment and world view.
8 / Kebbi / Alh. Adamu Wakili Augie / M / 72 / Oral historian. Informs on past events, the relationship between some of the Nigerian tribes, well versed in past heroes like Kanta of Kebbi, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, the origin of Sokoto, Kano, Argungu, Katsina, etc., and the wars faught, origin and relationship of tribes e.g. Hausas, Fulani, Yoruba, Zabarma, etc. Also trains others.
9 / Rivers / Gabriel Okara / M / Traditional poet
10 / Oyo / Akinwumi Ishola / M / Has preserved the Yoruba cultural heritage through lingual arts
11 / Plateau / Alhaji Adamu Wayya Dan Maraya Jos / M / Traditional and dramatic Hausa poet.
12 / Katsina / Sarki Taushi Katsina / M / Light drumming for talking and praising people. Also court music for spreading news.
13 / Bornu / Algaita / A reed flute for playing traditional music and praising traditional rulers etc.
14 / Kogi / Mrs Jogole Balogun / F / 80s / Inmole folk lore singer and drummer; an exponent and trainer of Inmole customs and rites.
15 / Imo / Prof. P A Ezikeojiaku / M / Igbo Linguist. Safeguards the Igbo language, folklore and culture through educating students and children alike, publishing and translating in the Igbo language a wide array of themes like Igbo philosophies, rituals, divinations, religion, poetry, leadership, Igbo cosmology, etc.
16 / Delta / Mr. E A Temesanren / M / Documentation of cultural history and philosophy.
17 / Gombe / Tiling Ankale Yelyel / M / 58 / Linguist, strong advocate for the promotion of the Tangale language. Reference point to many indigenes and researchers. Presently co-translating the New Testament Bible into Tangale language and leading the crusade of ‘let every Tangale man or woman speak Tangale to his/her children daily’. His keen interest in the promotion of the language has been aired in both radio and television.
18 / Ebonyi / Rev. Samuel Iyoku / M / 62 / One of the methods of passing culture from one generation to another is through the documentation of a people’s cultural activities for use by future generations. Reverend Iyoku has done much for his community in this regard through the translation of the Holy Bible into Izzi dialect of Igbo, reduction of Izzi dialect into writing, and writing books and articles to preserve Izzi culture and customs.
19 / Ebonyi / Chief Agu Njoku Eze / M / 82 / In pre-literate societies, people who possess retentive memories are assets to their various communities. Chief Agu Njoku Eze is one of such persons. He is regarded as a consultant on cultural matters within his locality. He narrates events and folk tales concerning his Igbudu Eka Ezza community thereby passing Ezza culture from the older generation to the younger generation.
20 / Ondo / Chief Asoga Ojo / M / Traditional historian, Egungun mask (dance and music).
21 / Ondo / Chief Ogunaja / M / Traditional historian.
22 / Ondo / Chief Aderinbola / Traditional historian.
23 / Oyo / Baba Ogundare Fayanmu / M / Traditional Music.
24 / South Western states / Ifa divination / The Ifa divination system contains a body of texts and symbols on the oral literature and tradition of the Yoruba people. The divination is done by an Ifa priest; a judiciary system.
25 / FCT / Maikasuwa Adogo / M / 86 / Very versed and knowledgeable in the art of speaking Gbagyi e.g. the use of proverbs. He hails from Kurudu in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
26 / Borno / Shantu / F / Purdah poet.
27 / Gome / Lanbala Wali / M / An indigenous and professional artist of international repute. His style of music and musical instruments are purely indigenous. His songs are usually developmental songs and geared towards the promotion of cultural heritage.

1. Performing Arts

No / State/zone / Name / Sex / Age / Craft
1 / Akwa Ibom / Uko Akpan / M / 62 / Founded the Uko Akpan traditional music orchestra which for over 30 years has passed moral ideas and values of patriotism through music. There is a common saying in parts of AkwaIbomState that any major occasion that does not feature Uko Akpan is non-event. Many factors account for the popularity of the troupe. One of these is the almost limitless power of extemporization, another is the gift of Ibibio tongue without intermixing with a foreign language. Most of his performances are embedded in social commentaries in which good deeds are extolled and moral decadence condemned. Uko Akpan has trained many younger performers.
2 / Anambra / Chief Festus Nwankwo / M / 80 / Created the famed dance form called Mkpokiti; an acrobatic dance style. He devotes his life to dancing and motivating others to dance.
3 / Anambra / Okoye Ngene / M / 76 / One of the founding members of the Okacha dance group 64 years ago. Okoye made the Okacha dance famous and at a time, it became the dance of the community; that is to say that every male child is enrolled into the group at a tender age and this development made it easier for the dance pattern to be transmitted easily from one generation to the other. The group is famous for its masquerade displays.
4 / Anambra / Charles Ezeagu / M / 78 / Founded the Ododo dance of Igbo-Ukwu. Ododo is the idiom for the Atilogwu dance; an acrobatic dance popular in Anambra state.
5 / Anambra / Chief Ezike / M / 76 / Founded the Egwu Agu cultural dance group 47 years ago.
6 / Anambra / Okuji Dance group led by Mgboye Ifebueme (alias Osinigwe) / F / 90 / The group is renowned for their songs and dance type of entertainment. Each artiste is a singer and dancer. They also play instruments to back up their performance. They sing and dance at naming ceremonies, burials, traditional weddings, birthdays, new moons, lullabies, title taking ceremonies, Ofala etc. Okuji group has motivated a lot of women to sing traditional Igbo songs. The performers are all elderly women.
7 / Anambra / Nze Okwa Chieze / M / 70 / Ijele masquerade is well known to most Nigerians and is referred to by some as the pride of Anambra. The masquerade has its roots deep down in the history of the people but in modern times, Nze Okwa Chieze has been the inspiration behind the Ijele. It is a masquerade of uncommon proportions and poise. It towers in size, splendour and majesty above other masquerades. Its regalia is multicoloured. Ijele is also a demonstration of traditional Igbo sense of power and wealth. The appearance of the masquerade is symbolically regarded as the arrival of the ancestors in a corporeal form to take part in the affairs of the community. Okwa Chieze has demonstrated over the years unyielding commitment to the culture of his people and has elevated that aspect of the people’s culture to very enviable heights. Chieze has trained several younger men who are expected to take over the baton as age makes its demand on them.
8 / Anambra / Mrs Nwugo Ozumba / F / 82 / Popularly called Mouwe, she is a renowned dancer who developed the Onom (Nnya) dance steps. Those who have studied under her have come from within and outside her community.
9 / Rivers / Uriel Paul Worika / M / 60s / A giant of performing arts which he has taught many younger persons working with him. He has a theatre that produces and performs various plays.
10 / Rivers / Oshishike musical party / M / Founded in 1972 by Alexander Nwaugha. They use traditional music instruments like ubo to produce their music and this differentiates them from other groups
11 / Rivers / Akagba First ladies Association / F / Founded in 1975 and has over 87 members. Very popular for traditional music and dance.
12 / Rivers / Okpekpe cultural display / M / Founded in 1959, the cultural display is a masquerade dancing group with over 100 members.
13 / Rivers / Ikpan Cultural display / M / Founded in 1980, displays various masquerade dances.
14 / Rivers / Biri Ere Apu Ogbo of OpoboKingdom / F / Used several artistic means like songs, dancing, pantomime, costumes to attract development and promotion of cultural values.
15 / Rivers / New Fashion Society of Abonema / F / Modernized traditional values of the people through songs, music and dance
16 / Kwara / Alhaji Jaigbade Alao / M / Most prominent/seasoned in Dadakuada music; waxed many LPs on moral and social problems; trained many to stardom, an inspiration to many musicians in other areas e.g. Fuji, Juju, etc.
17 / Kwara / Chief Ayeni Oye Olojobo / M / Legend of Ere Ibile Ekiti indigenous music, waxed many records, trainer of many artistes.
18 / Kwara / Alhaja Hassana Abake / F / Seasoned in Baalu music and has some recorded tunes (LP). He has trained many into stardom in the music.
19 / Kwara / Hajia Kulu Lafiagi / F / Most prominent in Angale music and trained many to stardom.
20 / Kwara / Chief Jacob Ogundele a.k.a. Baba Kelebu / M / Theater artist and film producer who trained many to stardom.
21 / Kwara / Chief Remi Adigun a.k.a Baba Onirungbon / M / Theater artist and filmmaker. Featured in many big films e.g. Igbo Orunmole.
22 / Kwara / Alhaji Gidado Ajao a.k.a. Faje / M / Prominent in Acrobatic display. Has performed on many occasions; leads one of the most prominent acrobatic groups in the State; trains the youths, adults and has recorded tunes (LP). His music depicts the richness of their culture
23 / Kwara / Hajia Fatima Dzama / F / Prominent in Angale music and reputed for producing and training many seasoned artistes in Angale music. She has also been in the music for many years but is now retired.
24 / Oyo / Dundun music / Drum / Plays socio-cultural and revolutionary music, which involves traditional songs, proverbs, riddles and current events.
25 / Cross River / Ekpe Ebonyo Masquerade / Masqu-erade / In CrossRiverState, Ekpe Masquerade is the best known cultural expression or display. It is a secret society which expresses the Efik cultural identity, and it is very much rooted in the people’s history. The Ekpe Ebonyo Cult, along with its variants, stretches all along the CrossRiver even into the Igbo communities such as Arochukwu and Ibeku in Umuahia. Its headquarters is in Big Qua Town of Old Calabar. In pre-colonial times, Ekpe was a system of government in every sense. The Ekpe masquerade was used for maintaining law and order. Ekpe is embodied in the Obong of Calabar who is the president of the cult and must belong to the highest rank. It is his responsibility to keep this historic organisation alive. The cult also has a secret sign language; the NSIBIDI, by which members communicate. This language is intelligible only among members. Today, Ekpe is essentially a cultural (though secret) organisation and entertains at special occasions.
26 / Kano / Barahaza / Oldest Hausa/Fulani esoteric dance in honour of Barahaza the spirit of the wind.
27 / Benue / Kwagh-Hir / Drama / Historic drama with elaborate puppet shows (theatre).
28 / Kogi / Chief OlodaAla / M / 80s / Traditional Yoruba trumpeter.
29 / Imo / Chief Paul Akalonu / M / 69 / Raised, nurtured and produced many Nigerian musicians eg. Sunny Okosun, Nelly Uchendu, Christy Essien Igbokwe, The Peacocks, Founders 15, etc. Played with many Nigerian highlife and folk bands.
30 / Imo / Kingsley Dallas Anyanwu / M / 57 / Vocalist, musician, writer. Ex Imo State PMAN chairman. Published many musicals and jingles.
31 / Imo / Mr. Chukwuma Eze / M / 49 / Theatre Artist and stage/radio producer. Productions include ‘Who is Afraid of Solarin’, ‘Midnight hotel’, ‘Kakata for marriage’, Ojemba, Egwuregwu Igbo, Erinma.
32 / Lagos / Jimi Solanke / M / Promotes Yoruba culture using his versatility in music to fuse folk lore, stories and the attendances of deities. He is a cultural artist and performer specialized in story telling, acting, singing, dancing, writing, and educating people in various aspects of culture. He is also a highlife composer and has written over 40 traditional advocacy plays on health issues. His recorded tunes include Onilegogoro, Ore Titan, Na Today You Come, popularized by bands like Roy Chicago and Alabi Aces, Rex Williams and band, the Junkers, etc. A cultural ambassador anywhere in the world.
33 / Delta / Chief I Onwuegbuzie / M / Cultural Custodian and leader of a traditional acrobatic dance group.
34 / Delta / Chief Onyebuke Uwadia / M / Folk lore dance and drama for peace and general fertility.
35 / Delta / Madamme Titi Ugagbe / F / Igbe Dance proponent and teacher.
36 / Delta / Madam Stella Akpoyibo / F / Traditional Music songstress and performer.
37 / Delta / Ile Cultural dance group / Dance group / Traditional acrobatic dance and drama.
38 / Delta / Oligbe folklore dance group / Dance group / Folk lore, dance and drama.
39 / Delta / Ema cultural dance group / Dance group / Royal songs and dance.
40 / Gombe / Lanbala Wali / M / 70s / Developmental songs geared towards the promotion of the cultural heritage of the Gombe people. Already, a lot of youths in and around the area have taken after his music style by forming music groups.
41 / Ebonyi / Sir Vincent O. Nwachi / M / 65 / Sir Vincent O. Nwachi (65 years of age) is the leader and producer of Nkwa Umu Agbogho maiden dance in Afikpo. The dance is peculiar to the people of Egugbo (Afikpo) as one of ancient traditional cultural heritage. He has equally formed a feeder troupe to replace the ageing members of the society. To many Nigerians the dance group needs little introduction. Spectators never get tired of watching the performance, thanks to the girls’ captivating nimbleness of the feet, and synchronism of their body language. The origin of the dance goes back to the heroic age of the Ehugbo people. It was a part of traditional wrestling celebration, popular among the people. At the wrestling arena, young female dancers performed when a wrestler had succeeded in wrestling his opponent down. The dance was thus a means to challenge young men to prove their manhood via acts of valour. It was also a form of training for good motherhood to the girls.
42 / Ondo / Hon. Fatai Ojuade / M / Bata ceremonial dance group.
43 / Ondo / Mr Abiola Ogunrinde / M / Expert skills in Ijala song, traditional hunters, Ewi or incantation
44 / Middle belt / Tar Ukoh / M / 50s / Swange dance expert and promoter. Has trained many youths in the dance process.
45 / Lagos / Fatai Olagunju (Fatai Rolling Dollars) / M / 70s / Totally committed to giving Juju music its high profile status. He has over the years been said to be the source through which some names such as Ebenezer Obey and Sunny Ade were made: they served under him. Fatai Rolling Dollars holds the aces as the longest and oldest performing juju musician. At over 70, he still rolls active lyrics, twangs the guitar strings and applies the typical juju dance steps.
46 / South East / Eddy Kwansa / M / Traditional musician and performer.
47 / South East / Oliver de Coque / M / Traditional musician and performer.
48 / Ondo / Mr Soje Ogunyombo / M / Ogbere song expert.
49 / Ogun / Chief Alhaji Akintola Ogungbe / M / 73 / Established theatre artist since the 1940s, has trained many over the years such as Charles Olumo, Jimoh Aliu, Ishola Ogunshola, Afolayan, etc. His most popular films are Ireke Onibudo and Lisabi Agbongo Alaka; an Egba epic and historical film.
50 / South South / Sir Osita Osadebe / M / 70s / Traditional and “highlife” musician.
51 / South South / Sir Victor Uwaifo / M / 60s / “Highlife” musician and performer.
52 / FCT / Jezhi Knuse / M / 66 / Proficient in Gbagyi traditional fluting. Currently his fluting is being used as a format by FRCN when news is to be cast. He hails from Jikwoyi in Abuja, FCT.
53 / AbiaState / Egwu Kalu / M / Leader, Ohafia heroic dance. The Ohafia Heroic Dance is a performance for and by heroes among the Ohafia, a Cross River Igbo group. The dance is virtually as old as the community itself. The people were renowned for their military prowess, and this arose as a result of the hostility of their neighbours. In time, excelling in heroic endeavours became the path of honour and social acceptance among the men. Such achievements were celebrated with the heroic dance otherwise called war dance. Egwu Kalu is the inspiration behind this dance and has supported it for over thirty years as well as trained younger people in the dance and folklorist repertory.