Children's Programmes and activities
• i. International Children's Day celebration, with the theme: The Imperative of Restoration of Family Values for Effective Nation Building : What is to be Done? , May 27 th , 2008
• ii. Day of the African Child, with the theme: the Right to Participate: Let the Children be seen and Heard , June 16, 2008
• iii. Children's Day celebration attended by students from over 22 secondary schools in Lagos State on May 24, 2007. The event was marked by an Inter-school' Debate on “Nudity and Moral Decadence among Nigerian Youths:
What Is to Be Done?”
• iv. World AIDS Day, December 1, 2006 . This was marked with a widely applauded drama titled “ Angst” devoted to educating the public on existing cultural practices that can help curb the spread of the HIV/AIDIS pandemic in Africa . The drama was organised in collaboration with NANTAP.
• v. Annual Children's Christmas Cultural Festival, December 13, 2006 . This is a youth enlightenment and cultural re-orientation programme involving primary and secondary school children from over 20 schools in Lagos State . It was marked by cultural Fashion Parade, Cultural Quiz Competition, Art Competition and Award of Prizes etc.
CBAAC'S Annual International Conference Series
• i. The Centre hosted the forth edition of its International Conference series in November 10-14, 2008 . The colloquium brought Black and peoples of African descent together in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil to discuss the present state of knowledge about African and Diaspora history and culture, examine its curriculum, identify the problems confronting it and appreciate its relevance to contemporary developments in Africa and the Diaspora. The conference was organized by the CBAAC, Nigeria and the Special Secretariat for the Promotion of Racial Equality (SEPPIR), the Presidency Brazil in collaboration with such organizations as Pan African Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG), Institute of Afro Brazilian Studies , Palmares Cultural Foundation, the State University of Rio de Janeiro and the Association of African Historians. The conference had in attendance participants from twenty five countries across Africa and other continents of the world. Countries represented include Nigeria , Brazil , USA , Argentina , Jamaica , Guyana , Ghana , Gambia , Trinidad , Mexico , Kenya , Eritrea , Tanzania , Senegal , Niger Republic , France , United Kingdom , Sudan , South Africa , Germany , The Netherlands, Israel and Canada . It also had in attendance representatives from CBAAC Nigeria, SEPPIR Brazil, AU, AISA South Africa, UNESCO, Smithsonian Cultural Institution, AAH, AAPS, IPEAFRO Brazil, PANAFSTRAG International and Palmares Cultural Foundation, Brazil .
• ii. The Centre hosted the third edition of its International Conference series at Casa del Papa Hotel Ouidah, Republic of Benin , November 4-8, 2007 . The theme of the conference was: “ Global African Spirituality, Social Capital and Self Reliance in Africa ” . In all, the Conference attracted a total of about 140 participants drawn from Nigeria , USA , Brazil , Ghana , Kenya , Niger Republic , Republic of Benin , Canada , United Kingdom , Trinidad and Jamaica . Notably in attendance were Professor Wande Abimbola, the Awise Agbaye, Alhaji (Dr.) Lateef Adegbite, The Secretary General of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Royal Highness, The Onikoyi of Ikoyi in Ouidah, Mrs. Obi, The Representative of the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Oyemade, Representative of Head of Nigerian Chancery in Republic of Benin, Rev (Mrs.) Oloye Aina Olomo, from University of Texas at Austin, Texas USA. The keynote address was delivered by a distinguished Scholar, Professor Kehinde Jacob Olupona of Harvard University , USA .
International Summits and Workshops
• i. The Centre hosted the Meeting of African Agencies and Organizations involved in the management and promotion of African Arts and Culture in Lagos , August 21-23, 2007 . the summit attracted participants from CERDOTOLA Cameroun, University of Daree Salam Tanzania , African Union (AU), CICIBA Gabon, Nigerian Copyright Commission NCC Nigeria, National Theatre and National Troupe Nigeria , National Council for Museums and Monuments Nigeria, National Instutute for Cultural Orientation NICO Nigeria among others.
• ii. In collaboration with African Union Centre for Oral Tradition and History AU-(CELTHO), Trust for Africa Rock Art (TARA), Pan African Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG) hosted a Methodology Workshop on African Rock Art in Niamey , Niger Republic , March 11 th to 14 th , 2008 . The workshop was declared open by the Honourable Minister of Environment and Culture, Arts and Leisure, Niger Republic . It was attended by over 50 participants drawn from the Republics of Niger, Kenya and Nigeria . A total number of 9 papers were presented covering diverse aspects of African Rock Art ranging from its origins, forms, styles, spread, location as well as strategies for its promotion and preservation. Characterizing African Rock Art as one of the earliest expression of human imagination, the workshop emphasized not only its centrality in African cultural heritage but its importance as a statement about the level of skills, sophistication and socio-cultural organization of Africans in past.
Exhibitions
• i. On the strength of its many strides, the Centre on UNESCO's invitation mounted an exhibition in Paris with the theme: “Glimpses of FESTAC 77” for the viewing public of representatives from over 192 countries across the world in October 2007 as part of activities outlined to commemorate the 30 th anniversary of FESTAC '77 at the 34 th session of the UNESCO General Conference , October 16-November 3, 2007. The exhibition features the display of objects, models and forms of indigenous African architectural technology among other materials and objects of relevance to the festival flags and photographs of Heads of States of participating countries at FESTAC 77. The exhibition had in attendance, representative of the UNESCO Director-General Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, who declared the exhibition open, South Africa Minister of Education, Mrs. Nalidi Pandor . Mrs. Yolande Bike, President of the Africa Group, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Gabon to UNESCO, Mrs. Yolande Bike, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO in charge of Africa, Prof. Nureni Tijani Serpos, Assistant Director of Strategy for UNESCO, Mr. Hans Dorville, Ambassador and Permanent Delegates from different countries across the continents of the world representing all the electoral groups in UNESCO. It also witnessed the attendance of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Nigeria Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ministers of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the Nigerian National Commission to UNESCO, Chief Aja Nwachukwu, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, Programme Officer and Representative of Ford Foundation Nigeria, Mrs. Margie Johnson Reese, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Professor Michael Omolewa among other principal staff of the ministry and State Government officials from Nigeria.
Public Lectures
• “Africa and African Diaspora Relation: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects” a lecture d elivered at the National Defence College Abuja, Nigeria, February 7 th 2008
• “Reflections on Nigeria - Diaspora Relations”, a lecture organized by National Association of Political Science Students NAPSS, Lagos State University on February 18 2008 .
• In collaboration with Faculty of Social Sciences University of Lagos, the Centre hosted a public Lecture on Post Election Crisis in Kenya with the theme: “ Politicization of Ethnicity, Inequities and Electoral Violence in Kenya ”. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Babafemi Badejo , Head, Political Affairs Unit, United Nations Mission in Liberia at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos on March 7 th , 2008
• The 2008 edition of CBAAC's annual Public Lecture with the theme: “Reconciling the Faiths: Strategies for Enhancing Religious Harmony for National Development” was delivered by Prof. Jacob Kehinde Olupona of Harvard University, U.S.A at the Banquet Hall of Excellence Hotels, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos, 27 th of March, 2008
• “An overview of the FESTAC Initiative and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization”, a lecture delivered at a seminar organized by the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos for a visiting team of Research Professors from the Georgia State University, USA on May 14, 2008
• “Nigeria Cultures, FESTAC '77 and the CBAAC Initiative” a lecture delivered to the visiting team from MILIKIN University , USA at the Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos on May 22, 2008 .
• Celebration of the International Museum Day with a public lecture titled “Museums and Universal Heritage” delivered by Mrs. Violeta . Ekpo on May 18, 2007 . Students from 19 secondary schools in Lagos State took part in the celebration.
• As fallout of its renewed public enlightenment campaign, the Centre's Director/CEO, Prof. Tunde Babawale had on invitation delivered two culturally significant public lectures. These include: “ Culture, Politics and Sustainable Development” , a lecture delivered at the University of Ibadan in March 20, 2007; and “Restoring the Dignity of the Blackman ”, a lecture delivered at Covenant University Ota, Ogun State in July 2007.
• A public lecture titled “ Can Our Culture and Traditions Help Overcome Corruption?” delivered by Maj-Gen. Ishola Williams (Rtd.) at the NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos on December 21, 2006 .
National Workshops
• The Centre hosted a National Workshop on: “ Cultural Rejuvenation for National Integration and Sustainable Development” held from 17 th – 18 th of April 2008 at the Peninsula Resort Ajah, Lagos . The workshop attracted participants from academia, civil society, practitioners of culture and government officials across the country. The workshop was declared open by the representative of the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Mr. J. B. Yusuf, Director General, National Institute of Cultural Orientation, (NICO). The opening ceremony was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja , Professor Nuhu Yaqub and the keynote address was delivered by a distinguished Sociologist, Professor Onigu Otite . It attracted participants from different institutions, government ministries, agencies, department and parastatals in Nigeria including Adekunle Ajasin University, University of Abuja, UNILAG, Olabisi Onabanjo University, ABU, University of Ado-Ekiti, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, Federal University of Technology, Mina, Kano State Polytechnic, Federal College of Education Osiele Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology Akure, Covenant University Ota, University of Calabar, Lead City University, University of Uyo, Ogun State Arts Council, Alaroye Group, Federal Ministry of Touism, Culture and National Orientation and PANAFSTRAG International.
CBAAC'S Outreach Centres and Collaborative Relationships
- The Centre is collaborating with the Government of Osun State to ensure the successful take-off of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, an affiliate of the UNESCO category 2 institutes recently approved for establishment in Nigeria . In line with the above, the Centre played host to a joint team of six from UNESCO and Osun State Government at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos , June 2 nd , 2008
- Concretized collaborative relationship with Institutions and corporate organizations on research and studies of cultural and historical significance. These include the signing of an MOU with the University of Ibadan , July 2007 and the take-off of CBAAC outreach Centre in the University. An outreach Centre has also taken off in Igbo-Ukwu , Anambra State , and Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife , Osun State , Nigeria .
- CBAAC as a Pan-African and Afro-centric Organization has concluded plans to establish an Outreach Centre in Atlanta Georgia , USA .
Significant achievements
- In recognition of his efforts and contributions, the Director/Chief Executive, Prof Tunde Babawale was nominated and sponsored for the United States , International Visitor Leadership Programme on “Cultural Heritage Preservation in company of 19 other participants from 17 countries across the globe in the United States of America on the bill of the US government. Nigeria was also represented by Mrs. Aisha Niima Shehu , Director of Research and Documentation, Kano State History and Culture Bureau, Mr. Salisu Bala , Librarian, Arewa House, Kaduna . Egypt also had 2 representatives while other participating countries, namely, Malaysia , Kosovo , New Zealand , India , Czech Republic , Libya , Jordan , Yemen , Oman , Haiti , Cambodia , Syria , Eritrea , Estonia and Hong Kong were represented by one person each.
- Ensuring the listing of Ikom Monolith site on the World Monument Fund's list of 100 most endangered sites which qualifies the site for International funding support and allied global patronage, June 6, 2007
- Commemoration of the 30 th Anniversary of FESTAC, March 29, 2007
- Successful production and public presentation of one type of postage stamp to commemorate the 30 th anniversary of FESTAC '77, July 12, 2007 . This was done in collaboration with NIPOST.
- Publications of 50 books and monographs , which cover the entire spectrum of Black and African Cultural Heritage.
- The Centre has taken possession of its new office complex on 36/38 Broad Street , Lagos and movement of staff of the Centre to this new office complex has begun in earnest.
- Continuation of the transfer of U-matic FESTAC tapes into DVDs, a project that started mid 2006.
Celebrating Black and African Achievers on Regular Basis
• Celebration of the Black History Month , February 22-23, 2008 . This was marked with an exhibition titled “ Repositioning Black and African Culture for the Challenges of the Twenty-First Century .” The event, which held at the Banquet/Conference Hall of the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos, in February 21 st 2008, featured exhibition and cultural performances among others. The occasion had in attendance students from over 22 secondary schools from within and around Lagos State .
• Celebration of the Black History Month, February 22-23, 2007 . This was marked with an exhibition titled “ Africa : Her Indigenous Writings and Great Achievers.” There was also the command performance of a stage play titled “Cornerstone” which is a euphemism for “African Culture” organized in collaboration with the Centre for African Theatre Arts and Film Production. The occasion had in attendance students from over 22 secondary schools in Lagos State .
Donations
• i. Donation of Books to University of Lagos at the Vice-Chancellor's Office, Senate Building University of Lagos Akoka, February 25, 2007
• ii. Donation of Books to Ajayi Crowder University, Oyo at the Vice-Chancellor's Office of the University, December 7, 2007
On record
• i. The Centre has played host to prominent Black and African leaders from all over the world. Such dignitaries include: Julius K. Nyerere , 8 th December, 1986 ; and Nelson Mandela of South Africa , who visited CBAAC on May 14, 1990 to collect the certificate of freedom of the City of Glasgow which was kept in trust for him by the Centre when he was in prison.
• ii. The Centre organized a national mural painting competition in honour of Nelson Mandela , former President of South Africa. This Mural Painting Competition was conceived in furtherance of the statutory responsibilities of the Centre, which is to promote public interest in, and understanding of Black and African Arts and Culture. The branding of this new complex was the central focus of the competition. The Centre used the opportunity to recognise the contributions of professional artists to the promotion of African history and culture over the years. The event held at the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos on the 27 th of November 2008 . The event attracted twenty-two entries from seasoned and upcoming professional artists. Emmanuel Dudu emerged winner in a very keen and fair contest.
Sponsorships
• i. Co-Sponsorship of a Conference on “ Oral Traditions in Black and African Culture: Appropriating A Dying Cultural Legacy for Development ” with Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo State , December 1 st -4 th , 2008 .
• ii. In line with various efforts geared towards the promotion of arts African, culture and tradition, the Centre co-Sponsored a Conference on “ Chieftaincy Institution in Nigeria ” with the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife, Osun State , April 9-10, 2008 .
• iii. Co-Sponsorship of a Conference on “ Culture and Society In Nigeria ” with the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife, Osun State , March 23-24, 2007
• iv. Sponsorship of an International Colloquium on Slavery and Colonialism in Accra, Ghana, to mark the two hundred years of the abolition of slavery and the pre-eminence of Pan-Africanism, May 10-12, 2007
Management and Staff Welfare
• i. Institution of a meritorious and long service award for deserving staff of the Centre on annual basis.
• ii. Institution of management retreat on annual basis for enhanced performance and in recognition of the need for re-orientation of staff. This is always facilitated by a firm of management consultants.
Recent Publications (2007-2008)
Books
• Babawale, Tunde and Alao Akin ( ed ) (2008): “ Global African Spirituality, Social Capital and Self Reliance in Africa ” . Pp.374
• Alao, Akin and Tunde Babawale ( ed ) (2008): Culture and Society in Nigeria : Traditions, Gender Relations and Political Economy , pp.412
• Babawale, Tunde and Olukoya Ogen ( ed ) (2008): Culture and Society in Nigeria : Popular Culture, Language and Intergroup Relations , pp.430
• Babawale, Tunde (ed.) (2007): The Place of Research and Studies in the Development of Africa and the African Diaspora pp.337.
• Khalil Timamy (2007): The Political Economy of Technological Underdevelopment in Africa : Renaissance Prospects, Global Tyranny, and Organized Spoliation , pp. 896
Monographs
• Babawale, Tunde (2008): “ Africa and African Diaspora Relation: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects” pp. 54
• Babafemi Badejo (2008): Politicization of Ethnicity, Inequalities and Electoral Violence in Kenya , pp. 57
• Kehinde Olupona (2008): Reconciling the Faiths: Strategies for Enhancing Religious Harmony for National Development, pp. 32
• Olatunji B. Oloruntimehin (2007): Culture and Democracy , pp.36
• Babawale, Tunde (2007): Culture, Politics and Sustainable Development: Lessons for Nigeria , pp.36
• Ekpo, Violeta .I. (2007): Museums and Universal Heritage: Right to Ownership , pp.36
• Babawale, Tunde (2007): Restoring the Dignity of the Blackman , pp.16
• Babawale, Tunde (2007): Good Governance, Democracy and Democratic “Best Practices”: Prescriptions for Nigeria , pp.16
• Molara Ogundipe (2007): Indigenous and Contemporary Gender Concepts and Issues in Africa: Implications for Nigeria's Development , pp. 53
• Ishola Williams (2007): Can Our Culture and Traditions Overcome Corruption ?, pp. 40
• Akinyemi Bolaji A (2007): Nigeria: The Blackman's Burden , pp 20
• Kukah, Matthew H. (2007): Religion, Culture and the Politics of Development , pp 42
• Alagoa, E. J (2007): FESTAC Remembered: Cultural Intolerance in the Nigerian Nation , pp. 23
Collaboration/Affiliation
The Centre collaborates with major international cultural organizations such as:
• International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA);
• International Council on Archives ( ICA );
• West African Museum Project (WAMP);
• International Commission for the Conservation and Preservation of Cultural Properties/Monuments (ICCROM);
• United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);
• International Institute for Bantu Civilization (CICIBA);
• Group for Children in African Museum (GCAM);
• French Cultural Centre;
• Goethe Institute;
• Smithsonian Institute;
• International Council of Museums (ICOM);
• Centre for Oral Tradition and Oral History (CERDOTOLA)
• Globalization, Identity Politics and Social Conflicts Project (GIPSC);
• Pan African Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG);
• Kent State University , U.S.A. ;
• World Garifuna Organization, South America ;
• Book Aid International (BAI);
• British Council;
• The Ford Foundation
• UNICEF;
• Trust for African Rock Art ( TARA );
• I'Institut de Development et d'Echanges Endogenes (IDEE), at IDEE, Ouidah Benin Republic ;
• National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP)
• Centre for African Theatre Arts and Film Production
• The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)
• Special Secretariat for the Promotion of Policies on Racial Equality (SEPPIR), the Presidency, Brazil
• Institute for Afro-Brazilian Studies (IPEAFRO). Palmares Cultural Foundation , Brazil
