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Nigerian Field Society, Lagos Branch Newsletter, April 14th, 2008
This is the long awaited full April newsletter! And it’s a very full program indeed! There are seven (7) OPEN events!!! We try to appeal to a broad range of interests within the mandate of the NFS which is “to explore the culture and environment of Nigeria and West Africa”, and we hope that we have succeeded!
There are four (4) day/evening events including: Sunday at the theater (this Sunday upcoming), a Talk by Dr. Hazel Chapman next week, a day of Boating and Beaching, and Birding in Lekki in May. Then we are offering four (4) longer excursions: two at the beginning of May and two at the end of May which correspond with the May 1st and the May 29th holidays. They include exploring Primates in Cross River, Elephants in Yankari, Nature and Birds in the Jos Plateau, and Culture and History in Benin Republic! Also, there will be one more trip in May: a two day trip which will be advertised early next week. Please respond ASAP, as Trips do fill up very quickly! Just email the NFS. Please note that participation in NFS events is entirely at one’s own risk.
NFS COMMITTEE NEWS
We would like to extend farewell to Bob Griffith who has returned to Australia after several happy years in Nigeria. Bob was the NFS Treasurer and Trip Leader par excellence! We’ll miss you Bob and wish you and Heidi the very best. We also would like to take this opportunity to welcome five new Members to the NFS Committee, Lagos Branch: Jonathan Barrow and Sharon Cornish, Chief Aino Oni-Okpaku, Kevin and Susan King, Scott Hoskins, and Judith and Charles Wheeler! Thank-you very much for volunteering! We also want to thank members who have volunteered to be Trip Leaders/helpers, including: Erika and Stefan Cramer, Shawn Simmons, Mari Soeters, Sheryl and Gordon Tank and Farkhanda and Peter Khan. The NFS is entirely run by volunteers! Events are organized “at cost” with no overhead or payment to Trip Leaders. So we need many helpers!! If you would like to help out with NFS events or if you have event ideas, please contact us by e-mail.
EVENTS
APRIL
Saturday, April 19th: Lekki Lagoon Boat Trip, Part II While the first part of this trip took a group from Epe to the village of Ise in November 2006, the upcoming boat trip will start in Ise, 100km east of Lagos. With regard to last newsletter update, the arrangement had to be slightly changed. Having met Oba Ganiyu Adebowale Adegbesan, The Onise of Ise Land, participants will undertake about a one to two hour’s ride in local open boats on the lagoon with its striking beauty of blue and green colors through a sparsely populated countryside. Once we are back to Ise, we will drive by car to the Eko Tourist Resort and spend the afternoon on the beach having a potluck lunch (i.e. everyone shares the food that they bring). This is a child-friendly trip with a limitation of 50 people. The cost of the trip is N 2,500 for adults and N 1,500 for children. The fee includes boat rent, access to the beach and tips. This trip is OPEN.
Sunday, April 20th: Enjoy a “Brunch” of Drama on Sunday Afternoon!! Join us for good food and wonderful live drama at Terra Kulture (Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island) on Sunday, April 20, 2008. Buffet brunch will begin at 1:00 pm followed by the 3:00 pm show. Nigeria is known for its’ exceptional theatre tradition and talent. We will be seeing "The Sound & The Fury" (Written by Wole Oguntokun, Directed by Kenneth Uphopho). The Sound & The Fury - A satire of the Nigerian political scene and in it, a 'band of brothers' chronicle events that have happened in Nigeria from Independence on through to the present date. This event is OPEN. The cost is N 5,000 and includes buffet and show; children 12 and under: N 2,500 (beverages are separate).
CANCELLED/POSTPONED Saturday, April 19th- Sunday, April 20th: Camping and boating from Igbokoda to Lekki. This trip will be rescheduled to another date, possibly to the next half of the year. We will keep you posted!
Tuesday, April 22nd 7;30 p.m. TALK: Dr. Hazel Chapman “Exploring the Montane Forests of the Mambilla Plateau”, Location TBA Hazel Chapman of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand has a long history in Nigeria. She grew up in the hills of Gembu in Taraba State near the Cameroun border in the ‘70’s. As a child she trekked with her father, a forester, who worked first with the Colonial Service and then with the Nigerian Government. Now, more than forty years later, she treks these same hills, as an “evolutionary” scientist, running her own research station on the Mambilla Plateau. Well grounded in both the culture and the science of this area, Hazel mentors students both from both her home university in NZ as well as the University in Yola, Adamawa State. Her projects not only contribute substantially to our understanding of the impact of population growth and other changes on the evolution of plant and animal life in that sensitive region, but also she works to make a positive impact on the lives of rural communities through education and economic development initiatives. This event is OPEN. We are still confirming the venue. It will be either in Ikoyi or VI, with the usual cash bar and small chop.
MAY
Note: Thursday May 1st and Thursday, May 29th are holidays. By taking only one working day off you get a four (4) day long weekend! We are running two (2) trips on each of these weekends! Thursday May 1st to Sunday May 4th: Trip to Calabar and Rhoko (the field site for Cercopan) Cercopan is an organisation that works with the community of Iko Esai in Cross River State to conserve 20,000 hectares of rainforest contiguous with Cross River National Park. Cercopan's ultimate goal is to rebuild populations of all the species of monkeys that were native to the forest. Last year they achieved the first release of monkeys into the wild in West Africa. This trip will provide an opportunity to see the key activities that Cercopan carries out in order to achieve this success. In Calabar, orphan monkeys (confiscated or donated) are brought back to health and then socialised into groups (six species can be seen there). Candidates for release are then moved to Rhoko, where presently a population of over thirty Managbeys live in a large enclosure, and smaller groups of Monas are also present. Education amongst the local communities and in Calabar, Research that improves the understanding of all of the steps that lead to release and on-going survival, and Community Development that provides alternative livelihoods and improves the lives of the inhabitants of Iko Esai are all critical components of the operation. The group will fly to Calabar on Thursday morning, and in the afternoon take a tour of the enclosures in Calabar, and be provided with an overview of the operation. We will also take advantage of being in Calabar to visit the National Museum there, which is one of the best in the country. On Friday we will travel up to the forest at Rhoko, visiting the community of Iko Esai on the way through. The camp at Rhoko is within the forest, and provides lodge-style accommodation. We will spend two nights there, affording opportunities to see high-quality rainforest (during the day and night) and to see the larger enclosures there. Participants will need to be prepared to share a lodge. Accommodation is comfortable (mattresses, mosquito nets) but basic (shared showers, etc) and the trip is not suitable for children. At this stage it is estimated that the trip will cost =N=70,000 per head which includes flights, transportation in Calabar and to and from Rhoko, all food and accommodation, dashes and community fee . A deposit of =N=37,000 is required to add your name to this list. The trip will be limited to 8 people only. The trip is OPEN.
Thursday, May 1st - Sunday, May 4th: Trip to Yankari National Park
This trip will take you into Yankari National Park to view the best of Nigeria's wildlife. More than 600 elephants live here making this one of the largest populations in any of West Africa's wildlife parks. And as for the baboons, all you have to do is show up: they will find you! Another attraction of Yankari is swimming in the Wikki Warm Springs. The crystal-clear mineral water is a constant 31C. Be careful if you forge out for a swim! Baboons and elephants may join you! Timed to take advantage of the congregation of animals in the late dry season, this trip is a must for members with a keen interest in wildlife. This trip is child-friendly. This trip is OPEN. The cost will be approximately 100,000 naira/person. We will fly by Arik on Thursday, May 1st at 11:30 a.m. and return on Sunday in the afternoon.
NEW TRIP: Sunday, May 18th Birding in Lekki Conservation Center led by WA’s Premiere Birder! Midst the urban mayhem, there is a little refuge, the Nigerian Conservation Center in Lekki! It boasts acres of unspoiled forest which is filled with animal and birdlife. Here is an opportunity for both new and experienced birders to join Phil Hall, a world renowned expert, on an early morning birding expedition! The group will meet at 7:00 a.m. at Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in Lekki. Just bring your binoculars and 200 Naira for your entry fee to the Conservation Center (or better still bring a little more and become a member of this important Conservation NGO). This trip is OPEN.
Egungun Festival in Iragbijin, Osun State: Date to be Announced: 2 or 3 day trip This Yoruba festival takes place in Iragbiji, the home town of artist Chief Muraino Oleyami. As guests of the Chief, NFS participants will have the opportunity to witness traditional masquerades in a rural setting. The festival takes place in Osun Sate, approximately three and a half hours from Lagos. This trip is NOT YET OPEN.
NEW DATE: Thursday, May 29st - Sunday, June 1st: Explore the Jos Plateau and its Birdlife This trip will focus on nature and in particular the special bird life on the Jos Plateau. This is a particularly scenic part of the country with stone covered rolling hills and a noticeably cooler climate than most other parts of the country. A portion of the participants will stay at the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Institute (http://www.aplori.org/frameset1.htm) & the rest will join there for birdwatching walks. For those who want to leave APLORI, we are thinking about a couple side trips. (http://plateaustategov.org/visit/attractions.html).
We'll fly Lagos - Jos on Arik. Trip budget will be approximately 80,000 Naira per person including flight, hotel, transportation & meals. With Thursday May 29th being a holiday, you can have the pleasure of a 4 day weekend with just one working day off! What better way to return refreshed and relaxed to Lagos than four days exploring nature on the Plateau.
This trip is OPEN.
Thursday, May 29th to Sunday June 1st: Excursion to Benin Republic This will be a 4 day trip to the southern part of the Republic of Benin. On Thursday we will travel to the historic city of Abomey, the old capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey. Here we will spend the next day to visit some of the Royal Palaces (now on the World Heritage Sites list), a voodoo doctor in a neighbouring village, a traditional black smith workshop and the market. On Saturday, we plan to travel from Abomey to the South by a historic train with stops in some small villages and markets. We will visit a voodoo village near the coast and stay overnight in Grand Popo. And of course we will enjoy the atmosphere of francophone Africa! Transport to and from the border will be in convoy by own car; bus and train transport in Benin have been arranged. Total trip costs are expected to be in the order of 40,000 Naira (220 Euro), excluding visa (4500 N). A deposit of 25,000 Naira is required. This trip is OPEN; the number of participants will be limited to 18.
JUNE
Saturday, June 14th – Sunday, June 15th: Weekend Trip to IITA, Ibadan This is the perfect trip for anyone who wants to get out of Lagos for the weekend to RELAX, on their own, or with their families. The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) site is a very large, secure, enclosed campus on the edge of Ibadan that affords visitors the opportunity to share the enjoyment of its preserved rainforest, large lake, golf course, and hotel-style amenities. While there will be a small number of organized events over the weekend, you don't have to join in, and there is every opportunity to simply entertain yourself (don't forget to bring your bikes/ fishing rods/ tennis racquets, etc.). For nature lovers we'll provide a guided tour of the forest, and also a tour of some of the more exotic trees that have been planted on the campus. But if you're a bird-watcher you'll hardly need a guide, as this is one of the best locations in Southwest Nigeria for birds. There is good, cheap food and drink facilities on offer, including Pizza night on Friday evening. This trip is NOT YET OPEN.
Friday, June 20th to Sunday, June 22nd : Craft, Culture and Nature of Okene and Ogidi This is three day trip which will take you to the beautiful countryside of Ogidi and Okene which is known for its traditional weaving. You will the group will stay in the beautiful village of Ogidi-Ijumu where the renowned textile artist, Nike, was raised. Surrounded by hills,Ogide has been described as the ‘valley of mountains’. You will stay in Nike’s scenic hill-top guest house. During the day we plan to visit weavers in their houses and explore the different weaving methods and types of cloth. You will also have the benefit of traveling with Paulette van Trier, who is renowned for her knowledge of Nigeria and is a Chief in Ogidi, and the ever vibrant artist Nike will host you personally at her Guest House. This trip is NOT YET OPEN.
FOR YOUR DIARY
Art Exhibition to April 19th :Quintessence: Chuke Nbabuife "Memoirs of a Generation”
The Junkman from Africa: "Life of a Nomadic Artist" Dilomprizulike, the Junkman from Africa, is one of Nigeria's internationally most renowned artists. During the past one and a half years, he has been working and performing in Great Britain, the United States and in other countries. In April, he stays in Nigeria. During a presentation and talk at Goethe-Institut Lagos, he will discuss his latest multi-media works, show a film of one of his recent performances and share his experiences with the Lagos art scene, the press and the interested public.
Venue: Goethe Instutut, 10 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island phone: 461 3416, 774 6888 Snacks and Refreshments will be offered
Saturday, April 19, 7 pm: Live Music at Alliance Francaise: Jah Cub Jah Club reinvents reggae with a style that is livened by a touch of rock and afro-beat! He features regularly at the Shrine, sometimes as a substitute for Femi. Venue: 4C Ruxton Rd. (Opp. Home Science School), Ikoyi.
Want to participate in a Trip or Talk? Here’s how it works. Each event has its own organizer, and you should direct all questions to that person once the trip is 'OPEN' for sign-up. The system works on a “first come first” served basis. E-mail the NFS, become as member and indicate that you wish to participate. He/she will tell you the details of how and by when you need to make your deposit to secure your place on the trip. The trips fill up quickly, so do not delay in responding! If a trip is 'NOT YET OPEN', mark the dates in your diary but please wait for developments in a subsequent newsletter. Organizers will not start a waiting list or reserve you a place on a trip until it is OPEN and the deposit is paid. All trips are run “at cost” with all participants, including the organizers, paying their equal share. We do try to keep costs as low as possible. Once a deposit is paid it is non-refundable, although the organizers will endeavor to give refunds as long as they are not out of pocket as a result of the cancellation. Some trips are identified as being “child-friendly”. These are trips with a programme which may be interesting for children. However, parents should check with the trip organizer and decide for themselves. As always with travel, the sun can be fierce, the roads bumpy, and aircrafts or meals can be delayed! The NFS Committee tries to design a program with a wide a range of types of events: some short, longer, child friendly, budget and more complicated (i.e. costly), outdoorsy and cultural. Your feedback is most welcome. Do you have any trip ideas? Please get in touch with the NFS by e-mail. Want to become a member? Click here and join us. Contact the NFS: Click here to send us an e-mail! Robin and Hugh Campbell Co-Chairpersons
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Lagos Branch
