IBC,
ULLI BEIER SOCIETY SET TO HOLD THIRD EDITION OF BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL
LECTURE ON SATURDAY, JULY 29
The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) in partnership with
the Ulli Beier Society (formerly known as the AZA Artists and Writers Movement)
is proud to announce the upcoming third edition of the Busari Agbolade Memorial
Lecture. This annual event serves as a tribute to the memory of one of its
esteemed past Patrons and former Chairman of the Movement, the late Busari
Olaniyi Agbolade, who passed away on the 9th of June, 2020, at the age of 72
years.
The Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture is a
significant occasion that celebrates the life and contributions of a
distinguished individual who played a pivotal role in shaping the literary and
artistic landscape of Ibadan and beyond. Through this annual event, the IBC and
the Ulli Beier Society aim to uphold the legacy of Busari Agbolade and promote
a deeper appreciation of the arts and culture within the community.
The much-anticipated lecture is scheduled to take
place on Saturday, July 29th, 2023. The event will be held at the prestigious
Main Hall of the Oyo State Library Board, and the program is set to commence at
12:00 PM.
In an official statement jointly issued by Wole
Adedoyin, the esteemed founder of the Ibadan Book Club, he expressed his
profound gratitude to all attendees and participants for their continuous
support and commitment to preserving the memory of Busari Agbolade. Adedoyin
also emphasized the significance of the lecture series as a platform for
fostering cultural exchange and intellectual growth.
The highlight of the Memorial Lecture will be the
keynote address, "Dance As An Expression Of Culture," to be delivered
by the distinguished Mr. Christopher Emmanuel. Mr. Emmanuel is a renowned
scholar in the field of dance and cultural studies. He has dedicated his life
to exploring the profound impact of dance in reflecting and preserving the
essence of various cultures.
The Ibadan Book Club and the Ulli Beier Society
extend a warm invitation to the general public, scholars, artists, writers, and
enthusiasts to join them on this momentous occasion. The Busari Agbolade
Memorial Lecture promises to be an insightful and inspiring event, honoring the
memory of a great patron and celebrating the beauty of culture and artistic
expression.
Christopher Emmanuel, formerly known as Abdul
Yisa Onibasa, the visionary founder and artistic Director of Alajotas Dance
& Music Troupe Int'l. With a rich background in the performing arts
industry, he also boasts expertise in Non-Profit organizations, event planning,
strategic planning, theatre, and event management.
In 1999, the Alajotas Dance and Music Troupe
Int'l was established at the New Culture studio in Oremeji, Mokola Ibadan.
The name "Alajota" carries a meaningful
significance, translating to "Terpsichorean merchant," derived from
the traditional epithet of the ancient Yoruba itinerant performer known for
their mastery of dance. This name aptly reflects Christopher Emmanuel's (Abdul
Yisa Onibasa) unwavering dedication to dance.
PROFILE OF
THE LATE BUSARI OLANIYI AGBOLADE
Busari Olaniyi Agbolade, born on 13th July 1948,
was a skilled professional in painting and steel fabrication. He began his
education at A.U.D Primary School in Ila Orangun, attending from 1955 to 1960,
and later pursued secondary education at L.A Secondary School in Ila Orangun
from 1961 to 1963. Subsequently, he embarked on an apprenticeship at Adegoke
Metal Construction Company from 1965 to 1967.
From 1969 to 1975, Busari Olaniyi Agbolade worked
with notable organizations such as the Niger West Construction Company, Niger
Dam Authority, and Uren Construction Engineering Company. In 1976, he honed his
skills in Aluminium and Copper Artistic Panel Beating under the guidance of
Yekini Agboola, who was an apprentice to Chief Ashiru Olatunde of Osogbo
School.
In 1980, he furthered his education by joining
the Abayomi Barber School of Thought at the University of Lagos to study
painting. After completing his studies, he began working with the University of
Lagos in 1980 but eventually resigned from his position in 1993 to fully devote
himself to his artistic endeavors.
Throughout his career, Elder Busari Olaniyi
Agbolade actively participated in numerous exhibitions. These include the
Barber School Exhibition sponsored by N.C.A.C in 1984, the Benue State Art
Exhibition in 1985, the Lagos State Art Council exhibition in 1986, and the
"Man in Focus" exhibition by the Federal Department of Culture in
1986. Additionally, he showcased his art internationally, participating in an
Exhibition of Paintings and Batiks by three Nigerian Artists in Dakar, Senegal
in 1987, and an exhibition with 843 Studio Gallery in East New York, U.S.A from
October to December 1988. He was a regular participant in the Lagos State
Chapter of S.N.A. Annual exhibition from 1991 to 2009.
Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade was sought after
for commissioned works, creating portraits of HRH Aholu Menu Toyi, Akran of
Badagry, Orangun of Ila, Oba William Adetona Ayeni, and other prominent
Nigerians both at home and abroad. Notably, his painting "Mother and
Child" was commissioned by 843 Studio Gallery in New York, U.S.A.
His works continue to be appreciated, and a
collection of his paintings can be viewed at https://artsfocus.wordpress.com/2014/08/14/electronic-exhibition-of-mr-busari-olaniyi-agbolades-painting-works/.
Before his passing, Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade
served as the Chairman of the AZA Artists and Writers Movement, leaving a
lasting legacy in the world of art.
