The first edition of the “Beautifully Coloured” annual family picnic took place in August, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The event was organised and hosted by Ariyike Akinbobola, Award winning Amazon Canada Best Selling Author, Humanitarian, Media Personality and Nigerian trained Lawyer based in Toronto, Canada.
The event was to celebrate families and the success of Ariyike Akinbobola’s book “Beautifully Coloured” A Children’s Picture Book on Kindness, Diversity, Inclusion and Positive Affirmations on being an Amazon Canada Bestseller. Those in attendance include business owners, professionals and socialites in Canada such as Maryam Muritala – the founder of Canada Vendors, Wale Rabiu, the CEO of Grey Matlock Bakery, Fusi and Bella Olateru-Olagbegi, Shade Ibidapo – Obe and other families who came out to round off summer with fun activities at the Picnic.
From a Book reading and reciting of affirmations to fun activities for the families, the picnic was a reunion of friends and a fun filled family event.
Photography: Bami Ligali Photography
Event Production and coordination: Ariland Entertainment
QASIMI RISING is thrilled to announce its exciting new partnership with Lagos Fashion Week, aimed at showcasing and promoting emerging designers and creatives in the region. The heart of this partnership lies in the quest to unearth hidden gems in the African continent.
QASIMI RISING will play a pivotal role in identifying designer talents and offering them a clear pathway to the next season of the QASIMI RISING Talent Incubator for the 2026 intake. Chosen designers will have the opportunity to present their creations, participate in one-on-one workshops with QASIMI RISING mentors and key press during Lagos Fashion Week happening in October 2024.As a cornerstone of this collaboration, QASIMI RISING is proud to bring the Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week, Omoyemi Akerele, as regional Ambassador and advisor for the QASIMI RISING program. Her invaluable expertise will provide emerging designers with first-hand insights and guidance on navigating the fashion industry in the region.
Commenting on this partnership, Hoor Al Qasimi, founder of QASIMI RISING, stated, “We are committed to fostering a thriving fashion community across many cities on the African continent and around the world, our partnership with Lagos Fashion Week is a testament to this commitment. Together, we aspire to nurture local talents, empower their creativity, and offer a gateway to global recognition.”
Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “Lagos Fashion Week is dedicated to promoting emerging talent in the region. This partnership with QASIMI RISING will undoubtedly empower these designers and set them on the path to success.”
The QASIMI RISING and Lagos Fashion Week collaboration aims to empower the region’s designers, bridging the gap between local talent and international recognition. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting phase for African fashion, where innovation, creativity and mentorship take the lead.Eligibility Criteria:
• Designer should be a registered business and must have been in business for at least 1 -3 years • The collections to consider are garment only (men’s and women’s ready-to-wear not accessories). • Designer must be producing or have production facilities in Africa • Designer must have produced at least 2 collections • Designer must have a social media presence • Designer must be showcasing at Lagos Fashion Week 2024
Interested designers and applicants are encouraged to email designers@lagosfashionweek.ng with the subject line: Qasimi Rising x Lagos Fashion Week for further information and application details.
The fifth edition of West Africa’s premier exhibition, sales, networking, and conference event for the hospitality and tourism industry – HOTEL EXPO NIGERIA 2024 will take place this year on August 1-2 at the Land Mark Event Centre, Lagos.Termed the World Cup event for the hospitality community, this year’s edition, like previous ones, will allow attendees to network and purchase amazing products and services on the show floor while enjoying massive discounts from a wide array of some of the biggest brands such as Air Peace, Value Jet, L’eola hotel, Leadway Assurance, Vintano hotel, The SRS collection, The Ebony Place, Djin Homes & Security, Homeware House Ltd,FloorKraft, Franuel Eco Furniture, Afess Kitchen, Techno Serve, Park Hub, Avoire Voltic Nigeria to mention a few.
HEN has continued to provide a platform for existing hospitality business owners and investors to connect with companies that offer the latest technology trends while building strong business relationships and networking on the go. Championing the drive to be the biggest business-business-customer hospitality event in West Africa, we have added the HEN MARKET HUB that allows vendors, particularly MSMEs, to provide necessities in the industry under the entertainment aspect, namely, fashion and perfumery.
With over 2,550 registered attendees on this year’s registration portal, the two-day event promises to be engaging with industry professionals built to speak at the conference sessions. This year’s speakers include Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) at Wakanow.com, Bayo Adedeji, Founder & CEO, Leva Hotels JS Anand from Dubai, MD/CEO of Burger King Nigeria, Rushdi Ibrahim, food and restaurant bloggers, Ify’s Kitchen and Yourfoodgeek and other respected industry experts.
There would also be a lot of exciting vendors from hospitality services, technology providers, furnishing suppliers, food and beverage vendors, clothing lines for the women from our market hub, and much more.
According to Joe Hanson, the convener, “This year will mark another milestone in the hospitality and tourism industry seeing that we have continued to create a viable platform for trade and quality interactions”.
If you are a lover of comfort, a good ambiance for business and networking, seeking great holiday deals, investments and looking to capture and have fun moments, learning from the masters, buying the best products, and spending some quality evenings with beautiful people! Hotel Expo Nigeria welcomes you to attend for free.
Ekomo Art Exhibition Shines Light on African Music Instruments PreservationEkomo Art Exhibition, held on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, captivated attendees with an immersive exploration into the celebration and preservation of African music instruments. The event, hosted at Nomadic Art Gallery, featured a thought-provoking panel session and an insightful documentary viewing, drawing a diverse audience passionate about African culture and heritage.
The panel session, moderated by Seyi Awolesi, brought together esteemed experts in musicology, cultural preservation, and African studies. Panelists included Dr Oladele Ayorinde, Anu Onasanya, Gerald Eze and Tayo Conga, who shared their expertise and experiences in safeguarding and promoting the rich tapestry of African musical traditions.
From traditional drumming to intricate string instruments, the panelists delved into the historical significance and cultural resonance of various African music instruments. They highlighted the importance of preserving these instruments as tangible links to Africa’s diverse cultural heritage and emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure their sustainability for future generations.
The documentary viewing provided a visual journey through the landscapes of African music, offering rare insights into the craftsmanship and artistry behind these instruments. Through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, attendees gained a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity embedded within African musical traditions.
“Mr Hakeem (the photographer) and I are thrilled by the overwhelming response to Ekomo Art Exhibition,” said Minika Ohobu who is the artist. “It’s inspiring to see so many individuals coming together to celebrate and preserve African music instruments. This event serves as a testament to the enduring power of music as a cultural connector and a catalyst for change.”
Ekomo Art Exhibition underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration in the realm of cultural preservation. By bringing together scholars, artists, and enthusiasts, the event created a platform for meaningful exchanges and sparked new ideas for advancing the cause of African music instrument preservation.
For more information about Ekomo Art Exhibition and future events, please visit nomadic-art.com
Netflix has all the drama, action, and fun packed just for you for April, so get ready for an eventful month.
For an interesting April, check out titles like Strained, Sherlock: Series 1, Files of the Unexplained, The Grimm Variations, and many more.
Don’t miss Strained, available on the 27th. Here, when Ebere’s estranged mother comes to help out with her infant son, their strained relationship has an unexpected chance at rebirth.
Before then, check out Sherlock: Series 1-4, which are all available on March 1st. This modern-day reboot has Arthur Conan Doyle’s deductive genius moving through London as the tech-adept consultant to Detective Inspector Lestrade.
On the 3rd, step into the world of eerie encounters, bizarre disappearances, haunting events, and more perplexing phenomena with the docuseries Files of the Unexplained.
Check out Parasyte: The Grey on the 5th. The series sees humanity rise to combat unidentified parasites, violently taking over human hosts and gaining power.
On that same day, viewers can catch up on The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem, a documentary exploring how an anonymous website evolved into a hub for real-world chaos.
Don’t miss Midsummer Night on the 11th. In the series, Carina brings her family together for a traditional Swedish midsummer, but the happy occasion goes awry when long-held secrets start to come to light.
That same day, check out the Crow Flies: Season 3. This season sees old alliances broken, new relationships formed, and the cards of broadcast news reshuffled as a familiar face steps in front of the camera.
Netflix will release Love, Divided on the 12th, and it will make you fall in love with rom-coms all over again. Here, Valentina, a young pianist, is starting over. Her neighbor, David, is an inventor who hates noise. And a paper-thin wall is about to become their matchmaker.
Watch Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer if you’re looking for a good chuckle. With Jimmy Carr, the idea that you can’t joke about anything these days holds no water. Don’t miss his edgy takes on gun control, religion, cancel culture, and consent on the 16tg.
On the 17th, watch The Grimm Variations. Inspired by the classic Brothers Grimm stories, this anthology features six fairy tales with a dark twist, exposing the shadowy side of human desire.
On the 19th, Rebel Moon makes a comeback with Part Two: The Caregiver, which launches on Netflix. In this part, the rebel warriors gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge — and legends are made.
On the 22nd, CoComelon Lane: Season 2 debuts, and kids join in on the fun too.
Adire, Merry Men 3: Nemesis, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, A Taste of Sin and Dinner are just a few of the many local titles currently showing on Netflix and coming later in March is Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, don’t miss these titles.
Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre tells the story of traveler Saro, who returns to the Oyo Kingdom with orders to complete a nearly impossible task in a race against time to avoid a dismal fate.
A Taste of Sin sees Two pastors, poles apart, navigate their temptations — one tempted by money, and the other by desire.
Also coming late in March is Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, where, a prominent man is questioned by the police after his friend is found dead about their complex history together in the igbo apprenticeship system.
In Merry Men 3: Nemesis, a group of affluent men seek vengeance against the ones they believe are responsible, following a tragic death.
Adire sees a sex worker-turned-entrepreneur move to a small town and launch her own lingerie business, only to draw the ire of a preacher’s wife.
In Dinner, two old friends and their partners gather for a celebratory meal, where a fifth guest stirs up secrets that threaten to bring down both relationships.
Nomadic Art Gallery (NAG) proudly presents “Ekomo,” a duo exhibition featuring Minika Ohobu and Hakeem Salaam and explores Africa’s musical heritage.
Taking its name from the Efik word for ‘Drum’, “Ekomo” delves into the rich African musical heritage unraveling diverse African musical instruments, from drums to harps. It further showcases their significance as conduits between earthly and spiritual realms.
Exploring the impactful work of artisans and musicians, it celebrates the rich Africa’s cultural heritage, resonating with the soul-stirring sounds of the continent, such as Juju, Afrobeat, Highlife and many more.
This exhibition celebrates the essence of Nomadic’s beliefs as the Afrobeat of art with the idea to see art travel. It highlights African art’s global journey, showcasing the deep ties between cultures.
Minika Ohobu, a Nigerian visual artist, draws on her rich cultural background to create bold, colorful art. From her roots in Calabar to becoming a force in the beauty sector, Minika’s work reflects her African heritage, using the human body as a canvas.
Hakeem Salaam, a Canon influencer and renowned photographer, captures images since 1989. Known for documentary, travel, portrait, and fashion photography, his extensive travels inform his unique perspective.
“Ekomo” is a collaborative effort, fueled by Minika and Hakeem’s shared passion for exploring the global impact of African music. The exhibition transcends genres like jazz, blues, salsa, and hip hop, emphasizing the universality of African beats.
The exhibition at Nomadic Art Gallery is open to the public during open gallery hours from March 23, 2024 and runs until April 13, 2024.
Women are mostly affected by osteoporosis, a disorder marked by weakening bones due to low bone density and an increased risk of fractures, especially among women who have gone through menopause. This condition can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of injury. A review in 2021 showed that the global prevalence of osteoporosis is about 18% with the highest prevalence in Africa at 39.5% (Salari et al., 2021).
Physiotherapy management shows promise, with conservative management that helps to lessen the severity of osteoporosis and also improve general health and quality of life for women suffering from this condition. Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the management of osteoporosis by focusing on targeted exercises that are designed to strengthen bones, improve balance, and enhance muscle strength. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and resistance training, are particularly beneficial as they stimulate bone formation and increase bone density. This is crucial for women with osteoporosis, as enhancing bone density can reduce the risk of fractures, one of the most severe complications associated with this condition.
Balance and coordination exercises are another cornerstone of physiotherapy for osteoporosis. These exercises are designed to prevent falls, a common cause of fractures in individuals with weakened bones. By improving balance, posture, and coordination, physiotherapy reduces the likelihood of falls, thereby decreasing the risk of fractures. This is particularly important for older women, who are at a higher risk of fall-related injuries due to osteoporosis. Moreover, physiotherapy offers personalized exercise programs tailored to the individual needs and health status of each woman. This personalized approach ensures that exercises are safe, effective, and aligned with the specific health objectives and limitations of the individual. For women with osteoporosis, this means that the exercise program can be adjusted to target areas of weakness and vulnerability, thereby maximizing the benefits of the therapy.
Education is another vital component of physiotherapy for osteoporosis. Physiotherapists provide valuable information on safe movement and lifting techniques, which can help women with osteoporosis avoid movements that may lead to fractures. Additionally, physiotherapists can offer advice on lifestyle modifications, including activities that promote bone health, further supporting the management of osteoporosis.
In conclusion, physiotherapy offers a multifaceted approach to the management of osteoporosis among women. Through targeted exercises, personalized treatment plans, and educational support, physiotherapy can significantly improve bone density, reduce the risk of fractures, and enhance quality of life. By addressing the specific needs of women with osteoporosis, physiotherapy empowers them to lead more active, healthier, and fulfilling lives, despite the challenges posed by this condition. As such, physiotherapy should be considered a cornerstone of osteoporosis management, providing hope and tangible benefits for women affected by this debilitating condition.
PROFILE
Temitope Osifeso is a trained Physiotherapist and a full-time PhD Candidate at the department of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Western University, London, Ontario. Her background experience as a physiotherapist in Nigeria led to her interest in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation in diverse population. She joined the FIREWELL (https://firewell.ca/about/) research team that focuses on firefighters health for her MSc degree at McMaster University. Her current PhD work focuses on understanding shoulder disorders among firefighters and developing appropriate rehabilitation solutions. Temitope has received several scholarships and international awards for her research work including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship award for the 2023/2024 top graduate students, Canadian Institute of Health Research Scholarship, and an outstanding poster award at the World Physiotherapy Conference in 2023. She works as a teaching and research assistant, at Western University and Kings College University, London Ontario respectively. She also volunteers in various charity and academic organisation including being a member of the Graduate Peer Support Committee that advocates for the welfare and well-being of graduate students at Western University. She is also a council member and vice president of the Health and Rehabilitation Science Graduate Student Society, where she works as an international graduate student representative for academic related concerns.
References
Salari, N., Ghasemi, H., Mohammadi, L., Behzadi, M., Rabieenia, E., Shohaimi, S., & Mohammadi, M. (2021). The global prevalence of osteoporosis in the world: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-021-02772-0.
Nigeria, often dubbed the “Giant of Africa,” is not only known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant economy but also for facing significant energy challenges.
Over the years, the country has grappled with unreliable power supply, hindering economic growth and development. However, there is a positive shift underway as Nigeria embraces renewable energy sources, marking a turning point in its energy landscape. This article explores the increased uptake of renewables in Nigeria and delves into the myriad benefits it holds for the commercial and industrial sectors.
The Energy Landscape in Nigeria
Nigeria has long been dependent on fossil fuels, primarily oil and gas, for its energy needs. While being a major oil-producing nation, the irony is that a significant portion of its population still lacks access to reliable electricity. Frequent power outages and an inadequate grid have hampered economic activities, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors.
Recognizing the need for a sustainable energy future, Nigeria has been actively exploring alternative power sources. The focus has shifted towards renewables, including solar, and hydropower, as the country seeks to diversify its energy mix and reduce its carbon footprint.
Solar Energy: A Ray of Hope
Solar energy has emerged as a key player in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable power. The country, located close to the equator, boasts abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it an ideal candidate for solar power generation. The government has initiated various projects to harness solar energy, both for grid-connected and off-grid applications.
One notable example is Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria who have built a great network of solar system installers throughout Nigeria to help encourage large-scale solar projects and access to finance. These initiatives not only contribute to the overall energy capacity but also offer opportunities for businesses to tap into solar power for their operations.
Benefits for Commercial and Industrial Industries
Cost Savings and Energy Independence
Switching to renewable energy sources, especially solar power, can significantly reduce energy costs for commercial and industrial enterprises. Solar panels, once installed, have low operational costs and can generate electricity for decades. This not only provides a stable and predictable energy source but also shields businesses from the volatility of fossil fuel prices.
Reliability and Stability
The conventional power grid in Nigeria has been notoriously unreliable, with frequent blackouts and disruptions. Renewable energy systems, however, offer a more stable and reliable source of power. Solar is not subject to the geopolitical and supply chain challenges that often affect fossil fuel availability. Utilising monitoring for renewable energy systems gives users visibility into performance and keeps all the assets operating correctly.
Environmental Sustainability
Adopting renewable energy aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. Nigeria, like many other nations, faces environmental challenges associated with the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. Shifting towards renewables helps mitigate these environmental impacts, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
The renewable energy sector is a catalyst for job creation. As Nigeria invests in solar projects, it opens up opportunities for skilled and unskilled labor. Moreover, the growth of the renewable energy industry contributes to economic diversification, reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenue and fostering a more resilient economy.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Embracing renewable energy is not just a business decision; it is also a commitment to social responsibility. Companies that adopt sustainable practices gain favor with environmentally conscious consumers and investors. Implementing renewable energy solutions can enhance a company’s corporate image, demonstrating a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the global fight against climate change.
Government Incentives and Policies
The Nigerian government has been proactive in promoting renewable energy adoption. Various incentives, subsidies, and policies are in place to encourage businesses to invest in clean energy. These include tax breaks, favorable financing options, and regulatory support, creating a conducive environment for the growth of the renewable energy sector.
Challenges and Solutions
While the benefits of transitioning to renewables are clear, challenges remain. One major obstacle is the upfront cost of installing renewable energy infrastructure. To address this, businesses can explore financing options, such as government-backed incentives, grants, or partnerships with renewable energy providers. The long-term cost savings often outweigh the initial investment. Often the first step is to assess energy system usage and start to monitor the situation to get an idea of what costs can be saved.
By adding the simple-to-install enee.io hardware, companies can see firsthand the savings they can make by adopting renewable energy.
Intermittency is another challenge associated with certain renewable sources, such as solar and wind. However, advancements in energy storage technologies, such as batteries, are mitigating this issue by storing excess energy generated during peak production periods for use during periods of low or no production.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial for overcoming these challenges. Government support in terms of policy frameworks and incentives, coupled with private sector innovation and investment, can create a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of renewables.
Case Studies: Success Stories in Nigerian Industries
Several Nigerian companies have already embraced renewable energy, setting inspiring examples for others to follow. Dangote Industries Limited, one of the largest conglomerates in Africa, has invested in solar power to augment its energy needs. By integrating solar energy into its operations, Dangote Group not only reduces costs but also demonstrates corporate leadership in sustainable business practices. Find out more here.
In the telecommunications sector, companies like MTN Nigeria have deployed solar-powered base stations in remote areas where grid connectivity is challenging. This not only ensures a reliable power supply for the telecom infrastructure but also contributes to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. Find out more here.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s increased uptake of renewable energy signifies a transformative shift in its energy landscape. As the commercial and industrial sectors increasingly embrace solar, they not only benefit from cost savings and operational stability but also contribute to the country’s overall economic and environmental sustainability.
The ongoing commitment of the Nigerian government to renewable energy, coupled with the proactive stance of businesses in adopting sustainable practices, sets a positive trajectory for the nation. By leveraging the abundant renewable resources at its disposal, Nigeria can emerge as a leader in clean energy, driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to the global fight against climate change. The time is ripe for businesses to seize the opportunities presented by the green revolution and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria.
Lagos — The CIO Club Africa proudly announces the successful induction of new members, marking a significant expansion of our esteemed community of technology leaders. The recent induction ceremony, was a virtual event that held on Friday, the 16th of February, celebrated not only the addition of accomplished professionals but also highlighted the enduring impact and benefits of being part of the CIO Club Africa.
Key Highlights of the CIO Club Africa Recent Induction:
Expansion of Expertise: The induction welcomed a diverse group of new members, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience from various sectors within the technology industry. This diversity promises to enrich the collaborative environment within the CIO Club Africa.
Fostering Collaboration: The induction ceremony served as a platform for networking and relationship-building among members. The collaborative spirit of the CIO Club Africa ensures a dynamic exchange of ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions.
Knowledge Exchange: With the addition of new members, the CIO Club Africa further solidifies its role as a hub for knowledge exchange. The induction ceremony highlighted the commitment of the club to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Professional Development: Membership in the CIO Club Africa provides professionals with unique opportunities for professional development. The club facilitates mentorship, leadership training, and access to a network of industry leaders, enhancing the growth trajectory of its members.
Impact on the Industry: The CIO Club Africa remains dedicated to influencing positive change within the technology sector. The recent induction emphasizes the collective strength of the club in driving innovation, shaping policies, and contributing to the growth of the industry at both regional and continental levels.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new members into the CIO Club Africa family. Their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success of our community,” said by Fatumata Coker, the Chairwoman, Board of Trustees, at CIO Club Africa.
For media inquiries or information about joining the CIO Club Africa, please contact:
Adesewa Jethro on 08157065481 or send her an email on adesewa@edniesalconsulting.com
About CIO Club Africa
The CIO Club is a prestigious network dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the field of technology. Built on 4 strategic pillars: ADVOCACY, EMPOWERMENT, THINK-TANK, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT. Our members comprise top executives, thought leaders, and visionaries from various industries, all united by a common passion for driving digital transformation and excellence in IT leadership.
Telemedicine is gradually gaining popularity globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has not been fully adopted in Nigeria.
Improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer savvy. It is estimated that at least 2,000 medical doctors leave Nigeria annually, and no fewer than 5,407 Nigerian-trained doctors are currently working with the British National Health Service in the United Kingdom.
A recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that for every 10,000 people in Nigeria, there are four doctors available to treat or attend to them. How does Nigeria adequately provide healthcare services to its more than 200 million population? Virtual healthcare services could be helpful, but many Nigerians may not be able to afford the cost considering the high poverty rate in Nigeria. Currently, only a few medical practitioners provide healthcare services virtually.
There is a need for more medical professionals to be involved in the practice.U.S.-based Nigerian medical doctor and psychologist, Dr. Yusuf Haroun, provides free healthcare services virtually. But the sustainability of such efforts would be challenging if there was no adequate support from the government.
The Lagos State University College of Medicine’s trained medical doctor, Yusuf holds a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree from Franklin University, Ohio, United States, providing these services through a non-profit organisation he founded, the Love for Health Organisation (LHO). Creating awareness about telemedicine and its benefits may result in more Nigerian doctors who have migrated abroad being involved. This is one of the ways the Nigerian healthcare system could be supported by Nigerian-trained medical professionals. There is also a need for the National Health Act 2014 to be reviewed to provide a stronger legal framework for virtual healthcare services.
Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia and the 7th most visited website on the internet. The encyclopedia is the largest and most-read reference work in history. Its contents are written by a community of volunteers across the world who are known as “Wikipedians” or “editors.”.
The English-language Wikipedia, which is the most popular language version of Wikipedia, has more than six million articles, and Wikipedia exists in more than 300 languages, including Yoruba. The Yoruba language version of Wikipedia is called “Yoruba Wikipedia”, and its domain name is “yo.wikipedia.org.”.
While the Yoruba Wikipedia was created in October 2002, its contents were largely written by non-native speakers of the Yoruba language prior to 2018. This is due to a lack of editors who are native speakers of Yoruba.
In 2012, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales recognised the contributions of one Yoruba Wikipedia editor, Demmy, and named him Wikipedian of the Year for creating a bot to translate 15,000 short English Wikipedia articles into Yoruba Wikipedia.
The readership level of Yoruba Wikipedia was very low at the time, as there were not enough contents for its readers, and the available contents were of low quality. As of 2015, the Yoruba Wikipedia was read 6,878,222 times.
On August 3, 2019, the Affiliation Committee of the Wikimedia Foundation that hosts and operates Wikipedia recognised the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group, a group of Yoruba language Wikipedia editors that are committed to developing, improving, and promoting Yoruba language Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects that are related to the Yoruba Wikimedia projects.
As of the time of the recognition of this group, the Yoruba Wikipedia had been read 12,824,420 times. This could be attributed to the contributions of this group of editors prior to their recognition. The readership level of Yoruba Wikipedia continues to increase steadily following its recognition.
In 2020, the readership level increased to 15,623,531, followed by 16,931,921 in 2021 and 20,330,113 in 2022. In 2023, the Yoruba Wikipedia recorded 25,217,471 views, making the Yoruba Wikipedia the most read Nigerian language Wikipedia and the most visited website in Yoruba. This milestone could be attributed to the immense contributions of the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group and other volunteer members of the Yoruba Wikipedia community.
The Yoruba Wikimedians User Group has also collaborated with Mr. Macaroni, a multi-award-winning Nigerian comic skit maker and actor with millions of followers on various social media, to produce a short comic skit to promote the Yoruba language on Wikipedia. The skit was viewed by millions of Nigerians. These efforts, among others, have helped to increase the traffic and readership level of Yoruba Wikipedia.
As of February 15, 2024, Yoruba Wikipedia has a total of 33,745 articles and 110 active editors (editors who contribute to Yoruba Wikipedia regularly).
According to Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, “the closest thing we have to a Prime Directive” is to “imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge. That’s what we’re doing.” Wales has described Wikipedia as “an effort to create and distribute a free encyclopedia of the highest possible quality to every single person on the planet in their own language.”.
Wikipedia in all languages is supported by the Wikimedia Foundation, which provides the infrastructure and supports its user groups, chapters, and thematic groups.
QASIMI RISING will play a pivotal role in identifying designer talents and offering them a clear pathway to the next season of the QASIMI RISING Talent Incubator for the 2026 intake. Chosen designers will have the opportunity to present their creations, participate in one-on-one workshops with QASIMI RISING mentors and key press during Lagos Fashion Week happening in October 2024.As a cornerstone of this collaboration, QASIMI RISING is proud to bring the Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week, Omoyemi Akerele, as regional Ambassador and advisor for the QASIMI RISING program. Her invaluable expertise will provide emerging designers with first-hand insights and guidance on navigating the fashion industry in the region.
