Aareonakankafo , CabbieAC kindly revert the title of this thread to the former.
Oh my!You just cannot satisfy everybody.Some people told Aare to change the topic so that it would encompass everything Yoruba.I did not know he was going to take this title because I was joking.YORUBA COMMONWEALTH:HOME AND DIASPORA would have been better....
Revive the arts, crafts, traditional skills, cane furniture weaving and farming collectives that existed in the hinterlands in the past. My sister did her Masters' project on commerce within traditional Yoruba communities, and I was her unofficial driver on that project. In the process we toured several communities in the South-West. Are you aware that in some locations, it is Ghanaian and Senegalese weavers that are now weaving aso-oke??
In many of these communities, traditional crafts such as pottery, cloth weaving, black smithing, casting etc have totally died out. The old grandmasters have died or are far stricken with old age, and younger folks who should take over from them have run into the cities to do menial work and become agberos.
I like your ideas...those areas fall under the creative/handicraft industry.How do you suppose Yorubas can work on that outside of depending on government?
quimicababes: I like your ideas...those areas fall under the creative/handicraft industry.How do you suppose Yorubas can work on that outside of depending on government?
Search for those older folks that still have the skill, and empower them to get more tools and materials to teach young people these crafts. Govt agencies and NGOs can form trade clusters and offer stipends to anyone willing to relocate to the villages, to learn these dying crafts under these older folks.
Another way would be to get young undergraduates to serve as interns understudying these old craftmasters, or for those old craftmasters to be brought into the campuses as visiting lecturers etc., to teach students who are interested in learning these skills. Students can be taught pottery, textiles and aso-oke weaving, in this manner. These segments can be incorporated into the fashion and arts market, and hopefully built into money spinners in this way.
Builders of the old mud houses can also work with students of Architecture and Civil Engineering, to create stabilised blocks from laterite, using local materials. Those old mud houses have now become relics in many cities, yet we still have a severe shortage of housing units. In another country, the model and materials for building such houses would have been refined, and adapted to modern times using technology and improved tools.
These are things that Youth Empowerment schemes can use to transfer knowledge and skills to unemployed young people.
Adoption of raw earth technology provides a broad spectrum of opportunities for national development. The local availability of the basic raw materials and skilled / unskilled labour cuts down effectively on the cost of importation of services and materials which have been a significant drawback for the construction industry in developing countries. This drawback particularly affects concrete as a material which has been at the vanguard of modern building construction.
In Nigeria, 60% of the components of cement are imported by most cement factories. The cost of materials accounts for about 40% of production costs while energy costs account for 30-40% of the total production costs. Coupled with transportation costs which inflate the unit price of cement bags in direct proportion to the distance; these costs have made the deployment of cement based construction for affordable mass housing rather difficult.
In response to the problems posed by modern construction methods, research in raw earth construction has gone a long way in showing the versatility, functionality and cost effectiveness of earth as a construction material. Development programmes geared towards the harnessing and development of this technology for architectural application in the past have provided an avenue for:
1. Expression of cultural identity in traditional building techniques 2. Initiating development plans which are not capital intensive but labour intensive. Such cost effective schemes would help developing nations with effective debt management. 3. Technology transfer and inter boundary diplomacy between developing nation states and advanced countries which have pioneered the adoption of raw earth architecture. 4. Maintenance of the ecological balance while cutting down on the unemployment figures of developing nations.
Raw earth structures have been existing in practically every state of the country for several centuries. The obvious reason for this is the basic nature of the material, its ready availability and easy manipulation and durability even well and above that of stone or timber structures.
The flexibility of the material is well exhibited in the variety of expressions of earth forms across the cultural, religious and climatic regions or terrains of Nigeria.
The northern regions have the tradition of using conical sun dried earth bricks (tubali) for their residential houses and monumental structures like mosques and palaces, characterized by domed roofs.
The central and southeastern parts of the country are known for clustered huts made of puddled earth laid in wet courses. Colonnades are common to support overhanging thatch roofs which protect the earth walls.
South - western Nigeria is known for houses and palaces built around spacious courtyards with earth walls and thick columns linked by strong beams. Down south, raw earth is padded unto linear wood structural frames to form composite walls which could easily be load bearing.
A visit to the Lagos station of the National Museum, where the bamboo huts that once characterized the craft village area are being replaced with raw earth structures; would show how some of those possibilities are being explored today. According to Messrs Folaranmni Adebayo and Festus Owojaiye, technical officers of the museum attached to the project, the new buildings are being erected with solid compressed earth blocks of 4 inches by 12 inches which are made with a molding machine and technical knowledge brought in from Jos.
The compressed blocks are made from cement stabilized earth: 19cm³ of cement to 4 wheel barrows of laterite (red) sand. The resultant blocks are rock solid after curing for 7 – 10 days and can then be laid in courses like regular sand-crete blocks or burnt bricks. Sourcing the laterite sand of the correct consistency could be a challenge in Lagos where sandy and loamy soils are prevalent.
For the current project which complements the popular Museum Kitchen that has continued to stand tall with its earthen walls through generations of use; laterite soil had to be source form the Mowe – Ibafo area, right outside Lagos at the cost of N8,500 per tipper as against N1,500 which would have been obtainable up north where the soil type is more prevalent. Though this makes it difficult in Lagos to benefit from the cost savings that should have been the norm when building with earth, it is not the case in other parts of the country (or other parts of Lagos for that matter) where red earth is readily available in abundance.
Another perceived deterrent to the widespread adoption of raw earth building construction in rainforest regions like Lagos is the fear that earth walls would fail under the constant influence of driving rain and floods. However, that fear is unfounded when earth buildings are conceived with the right design considerations for the regions where they are to be erected. http://designpages..com.ng/2006/05/earth-in-city.html
Its worrisome when i think of the main source of many essential farm products available in our markets. Perhaps we should prevail on our governments to embark on mechanised farming to boost supply from the SW.
Would it be asking too much to suggest that all SW states are linked by a fast rail system? - mass movement of people and goods. - cheaper transportation. - less strain on our roads through decongestion thus elongating their lifespan. - reduction in road accidents. - among others.
Its worrisome when i think of the main source of many essential farm products available in our markets. Perhaps we should prevail on our governments to embark on mechanised farming to boost supply from the SW.
Would it be asking too much to suggest that all SW states are linked by a fast rail system? - mass movement of people and goods. - cheaper transportation. - less strain on our roads through decongestion thus elongating their lifespan. - reduction in road accidents. - among others.
We have discussed these in the previous pages.You are a bit late,bro.
Search for those older folks that still have the skill, and empower them to get more tools and materials to teach young people these crafts. Govt agencies and NGOs can form trade clusters and offer stipends to anyone willing to relocate to the villages, to learn these dying crafts under these older folks.
Another way would be to get young undergraduates to serve as interns understudying these old craftmasters, or for those old craftmasters to be brought into the campuses as visiting lecturers etc., to teach students who are interested in learning these skills. Students can be taught pottery, textiles and aso-oke weaving, in this manner. These segments can be incorporated into the fashion and arts market, and hopefully built into money spinners in this way.
Builders of the old mud houses can also work with students of Architecture and Civil Engineering, to create stabilised blocks from laterite, using local materials. Those old mud houses have now become relics in many cities, yet we still have a severe shortage of housing units. In another country, the model and materials for building such houses would have been refined, and adapted to modern times using technology and improved tools.
These are things that Youth Empowerment schemes can use to transfer knowledge and skills to unemployed young people.
I like how you mentioned earth architecture.I have been following keenly what the Indians,Kenyans and Tanzanians are doing with it.Those earth structures are beautiful...it looks just like regular brick houses lol.I also like what they are doing with rammed earth.The thing is there have been research on earth architecture with regards to Naija tertiary institutions...one of the major hurdles however is that people view mud houses as being tied to poverty.UNESCO also works with the Centre for Earth Construction Technology,Jos Nigeria.There was even a yoruba civil engineer who started producing the machine to make the compressed earth blocks after getting the design plans from Germany.I also stumbled across one who builds houses out of them.
Individually there are young Yorubas who are working with aso oke and other tradtional crafts to tranform them into various consumer goods but the major issue is a matter of scaling it up and getting government support.This is especially so amongst isese folks as diaspora folks and outsiders usually patronize them.For example Tunde Owolabi is using aso oke to make footwear and he started handbags also. Are you aware of any NGOs that are working in this area or would one need to be formed? The reality is that the private sector would have to try to revitalize those sectors as it is the case many times for the arts and creative sector.Government many times only get involved when they realize its lucrative.
Its worrisome when i think of the main source of many essential farm products available in our markets. Perhaps we should prevail on our governments to embark on mechanised farming to boost supply from the SW.
Would it be asking too much to suggest that all SW states are linked by a fast rail system? - mass movement of people and goods. - cheaper transportation. - less strain on our roads through decongestion thus elongating their lifespan. - reduction in road accidents. - among others.
Rail system within SW is one of the plans of DAWN.The thing is you need power to power those rails ..so dts an issue they need to sort out.
When I was trying to make the subject-matter broad so as to keep the thread alive and more engaging - you have got clowns with insecurities who neither contributed anything to thread, nor have anything to contribute - moaning about the thread losing its purpose. Now that we've limited it to one thing - the same clowns still have nothing to contribute. SMH.
quimicababes: I like how you mentioned earth architecture.I have been following keenly what the Indians,Kenyans and Tanzanians are doing with it.Those earth structures are beautiful...it looks just like regular brick houses lol.I also like what they are doing with rammed earth.The thing is there have been research on earth architecture with regards to Naija tertiary institutions...one of the major hurdles however is that people view mud houses as being tied to poverty.UNESCO also works with the Centre for Earth Construction Technology,Jos Nigeria.Their was even a yoruba civil engineer who started producing the machinery to make the compressed earth blocks.I also stumbled across one who builds houses out of them.
Individually there are young Yorubas who are working with aso oke and other tradtional crafts to tranform them into various consumer goods but the major issue is a matter of scaling it up and getting government support.This is especially so amongst isese folks as diaspora folks and outsiders usually patronize them.For example Tunde Owolabi is using aso oke to make footwear and he started handbags also. Are you aware of any NGOs that are working in this area or would one need to be formed? The reality is that the private sector would have to try to revitalize those sectors as it is the case many times for the arts and creative sector.Government many times only get involved when they realize its lucrative.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing all this info. I didn't even know that a Yoruba civil engineer had manufactured equipment to make compressed earth blocks. My question is this - why isn't it being popularised??
I would like to see local and state govts using these kind of blocks to build schools, markets and hospitals, and even homes. Every local govt should have a cluster of local builders who can mould and construct houses using these compressed earth blocks. I like the fact that UNESCO also works with the Centre for Earth Construction Technology, Jos - but can these skills be taught as compulsory practical courses in Civil Engineering departments in universities and polytechnics across the South-West? Just asking.
As for aso-oke, I do agree that some people are creating new works using the fabric. But the number of people engaged in aso-oke weaving, are still too few and far apart. In some other countries, such crafts are done by entire villages. I really don't know of any NGO that has taken up this cause. So nothing stops anyone from forming an NGO to cover this area.
But there are fashion shows being organised on a regular basis by private organisations. Lagos Fashion Week 2015 just ended in Lagos. Apart from a few designers who showcased clothes made with aso-oke, the fabric was eclipsed by ankara, organza, lace, foreign fabrics and wax prints. It was not given the prominence it deserved. Adding a skill workshop in aso-oke weaving and adire creation, would be a great side event in such shows.
I agree with you - the scale of aso-oke production needs to be ramped up and heavily publicised. The fabric itself has undergone a metamorphosis from the 60s till date. I remember in the 90s, there were some designers who mixed it with silk thread, and produced a lightweight version called 'aso-oke lurex'. Another designer named Adelaide Ofori cross-matched the Ghanaian kente fabric with local aso-oke to create the 'kente-oke,' which she now sells abroad.
But like I said, individual efforts are not going to achieve much. There has to be deep interest, funding and skill transfer on a massive level, to revive these crafts in a sustainable manner, to provide employment for the youth.
superstar1: Ise l'ogun ise Mura s'ise ore mi Ise la fi n'deni giga
Bi a ko ba reni feyin ti Bi ole la'nri Bi a ko ba reni gbekele A tera mo'se eni
Iya re le lowo lowo Baba re le lesin lekan Bi o ba gbo'ju lewon O te tan ni mo so fun o
Ohun ti a ko ba ji'ya fun Se kii le pe lowo Ohun ti a ba fara sise fun Nii pe lowo eni
Apa lara Egunpa niyekan B'aye ba n'fe o loni Bi o ba lowo lowo Aye a ma fe o lola Tabi ki o wa ni'po atata Aye a ma ye o si terinterin Je k'o de'ni tin rago Aye a ma yinmu si o
Eko si'nso ni d'oga Mura ki o ko dara dara Bi o si r'opo eniyan Ti won f'eko s'erin rinrin Dakun ma f'ara we won
Iya n'bo fun'omo ti ko gbon Ekun n'be fun'omo to nsa kiri
Ma f'owuro sere ore mi Mura si'se ojo'nlo.
E ku ohun. E ku aigbagbe. Agba o ni tan nile wa o.
All around the perimeter of Ekiti state are huge mind-blowing rocks. One thing I know about Americans is that they're amazed by mountainous rocks (Appalachian mountains, mt Everest, great canyon, etc). Why don't we give Ekiti state the same attention. Have activities centered around the landmarks, such as rock climbing, zip lining, etc?
3. Ikogosi Spring
The spring is amazing! It's one of the wonders of the world. We can start a water park on the spring (i.e Yellow Springs National Park).
4. Ojo Ibile
A big festival. This we can start local and advertise throughout the SW.
I haven't toured Ekiti state since I was like 10.......I'm sure more attraction exists. We need awon omo Ekiti to contribute.
@Ufeolorun,
Okun o.
There surely must be a scientific explanation for ikogosi......I have actually been there and felt the. Point at which the hot met he cold or the other way round...... ........a real marvel..........as regards rocks.....nothing beats the Akokos o....
Since this is a Yoruba thread, I believe it is only right that we sprinkle a bit of Yoruba religion on the thread here and there. So, as previously agreed upon by the Moderator in person of alagba Aareonakakanfo, I will upload an 'Iyere Ifa' by Araba of Osogbo, Baba Elebuibon for listening pleasure but most importantly to be learnt and recited as prayers in the mornings (or anytime).
Here goes the first one after battling with compression.
Egbon Shym3x, I'm still with you on the Jalumi war, I'm converting a text to word document so I can just copy and paste and we can all discuss it.
Brev, post Yoruba religion on the thread. The thread is for everything Yoruba - all inconclusive. Whatever you have, just post it.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing all this info. I didn't even know that a Yoruba civil engineer had manufactured equipment to make compressed earth blocks. My question is this - why isn't it being popularised??
I would like to see local and state govts using these kind of blocks to build schools, markets and hospitals, and even homes. I like the fact that UNESCO also works with the Centre for Earth Construction Technology, Jos - but can these skills be taught as compulsory practical courses in Civil Engineering departments in universities and polytechnics across the South-West? Just asking.
As for aso-oke, I do agree that some people are creating new works using the fabric. But the number of people engaged in aso-oke weaving, are still too few and far apart. In some other countries, such crafts are done by entire villages. I really don't know of any NGO that has taken up this cause. So nothing stops anyone from forming an NGO to cover this area.
But there are fashion shows being organised on a regular basis by private organisations. Lagos Fashion Week 2015 just ended in Lagos. Apart from a few designers who showcased clothes made with aso-oke, the fabric was eclipsed by ankara, organza, lace, foreign fabrics and wax prints. It was not given the prominence it deserved. Adding a skill workshop in aso-oke weaving and adire creation, would be a great side event in such shows.
I agree with you - the scale of aso-oke production needs to be ramped up and heavily publicised. The fabric itself has undergone a metamorphosis from the 60s till date. I remember in the 90s, there were some designers who mixed it with silk thread, and produced a lightweight version called 'aso-oke lurex'. Another designer named Adelaide Ofori cross-matched the Ghanaian kente fabric with local aso-oke to create the 'kente-oke,' which she now sells abroad.
But like I said, individual efforts are not going to achieve much. There has to be deep interest, funding and skill transfer on a massive level, to revive these crafts in a sustainable manner, to provide employment for the youth.
I quite agree with much of what you said.Sadly..naija government both at the state and federal level aren't like other governments.Africa suffers from mediocre leaders a lot.I rather focus on what the private sector and civil society can do....and they can achieve a lot once they are serious....especially with regards to NGOs.
Shymm3x: So this thread is dying slowly but surely, no?
When I was trying to make the subject-matter broad so as to keep the thread alive and more engaging - you have got clowns with insecurities who neither contributed anything to thread, nor have anything to contribute - moaning about the thread losing its purpose. Now that we've limited it to one thing - the same clowns still have nothing to contribute. SMH.
I'm about to further expand the topic.
I support you.
@ALL
Until we get someone to direct the Yoruba hour (not me, I can't be 90% of the time here ), no one is going to show up.
There surely must be a scientific explanation for ikogosi......I have actually been there and felt the. Point at which the hot met he cold or the other way round...... ........a real marvel..........as regards rocks.....nothing beats the Akokos o....
Lol hopefully, the scientific answer is oil I think Fayose must know something, there's a reason why he wants to die in Ekiti government house.
Why can't 'Ewi be popularised?? Before anyone tells me that the words are not easy to understand (I know, lol!), those poems are so lyrical. Just listen to the beats. And the chants are so rhythmic! One day my late maternal grandmum's sister - may God rest her soul! - translated one of those old Ewi chants for me titled Oriki Olodumare, it was so deep and rich in meaning! I can't even remember the name of the artist, anymore.... *sigh*
laudate: Why can't 'Ewi be popularised?? Before anyone tells me that the words are not easy to understand (I know, lol!), those poems are so lyrical. Just listen to the beats. And the chants are so rhythmic! One day my late maternal grandmum's sister - may God rest her soul! - translated one of those old Ewi chants for me titled Oriki Olodumare, it was so deep and rich in meaning! I can't even remember the name of the artist, anymore.... *sigh*
Unfortunately, it's dying. Even our talking drums professionals are dwindling. This is what Africa gets when it relegates its culture for whiteman's. We lose some of our essence.
......I have actually been there and felt the. Point at which the hot met he cold or the other way round...... 
........a real marvel..........as regards rocks.....nothing beats the Akokos o.... 
