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THE BEST OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS COMES FROM THE EDITING SUIT…. VIDEO DIRECTOR AKIN ALABI

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AKIN ALABI

He was part of the first set of cinematographers that
first graced out T.V with very good musical visuals, his creativity unrivalled,
his sight for concepts is simple excellent. With the suave of a gentle man,
Akin Alabi can be referred to as a man with the Midas touch. However, his
collection of works has carved a niche for him in the cinematography business. As
part of his vast talent, he teamed up with his wife with the stage name ‘T.I.V’
and they both recorded a song titled ‘KOMOLE’, a song that enjoyed massive
rotation both on radio and TV. Not few knew that he is also a very skilled
author as his collections of works soon to be published was endorsed by His Imperial
Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi the Ooni of Ife. In this Exclusive Chat
with the Publisher of
CitySpy , SOFOWORA OLADAPO, The Ekiti state born cinematographer, spoke extensively
about how his passion and creativity paved way for him despite the massive
Influx of cinematographer in the industry.. Excerpts

Who is
Akin Alabi?
Akin
Alabi is a creative person, I studied business admin in University if Ilorin
currently a video director, photographer and an artist. A father and hail from
Ekiti state, growing up was interesting and challenging because I was
encouraged to go into the art as a child, I was given parental support. What
made it interesting was attending a boarding school federal college Ido-ani
Ondo state. In school you have different types of character around you but you
have to be able to carve a niche out for your self and be able to survive. That
helped me to survive in the outside world.
Apart
from cinematography, you also sing and produce; how did you discover you could
do all that?
When I
was in my final year in the university, I discovered my passion for music. I
started writing songs, and also recorded an album same year. In the year 2003,
I had to halt in other to focus on cinematography, so, that was what I am known
for up till date.
As a video director, creativity, is a key factor, where
do you draw your inspiration from?
My
environment. I like looking around, when i see anything that inspires me, I
take note of it. When a video comes up I just go back to what I saw and bring
something out of it. I also get inspired by other creative work also done by
people. Basically, anything beautiful inspires me.
It is widely said that cinematographer don’t give an
artist a say when directing videos, what can you say as regarding that?
You
have to find a balance, most times, the director know more than the artist.
Sometimes, the artist have an idea to be infused into a video, but most times
the artist have to meet with the director to find a common ground on how the
video will look like. Whenever, an artist has a concept that is achievable and
its still within the budget I go along and actualize it.
You
have an institute where you teach student on cinematography, photography and
graphics can you tell us how far it has gone?
I hold a workshop every year tagged ”Light, camera,
action”. Basically, it is passing knowledge I have gained over the year to
upcoming directors, its an avenue to express myself, every time I get demand
for tutoring. I also go to higher institutions to present papers. I teach cinematography
in the school of journalism and photography lagos state University (LASU).
What
does it takes to have Akin Alabi on your set?
‘Chuckles’… ‘Pauses a little bit’,  You must be financially buoyant and a good
song.
We have
a lot of cinematographers and video directors what is that thing that makes you
distinct?
My ability to study nature, my ability to use natural
light to create something out of nothing. My ability to capture moment in time
both interior and exterior. I was one of the person that started making
exterior video popular.
It is widely accepted that the best directors come from
the editing desk how true is it?
It is
partially true, I also come from the editing desk. I was an editor before I
started directing. It helped  because if the director have an editing
background, he should be editing in his mind, it helps you manage time,
apparently, you don’t shoot what you won’t eventually use. It helps to save
time and stress. Its cool when a director has a wide knowledge on editing.
You
published a picture collection book and you titled it ”Point of view” what is
the rationale behind it?
It is my point of view on how I see the country. We see
the country from different sides but I see it from a total different angle when
I travel. For 3years, I have been documenting everywhere I travel to. Point of
view, is a collection of all the picture I have taken across Nigeria. It would
soon be published for sale and exhibited to.
AKIN ALABI ON SET

For Akin Alabi, what makes a good cinematographer?
You
must have creative eyes,  ability to visualize things even before it
happens. You must possess artistic prowess. Ability to master your tools. if
you are not able to convey any image in your heart into what everybody can see
then the creativity is useless.
Your
personal relationship with you and your team?
Most
people around me are undergoing training so I let people see what I do. I don’t
do thing in a clandestine way its is open to everyone to learn from.
How
does your wife cope when you travel to work?
She is coping, sometimes we travel together. She has a
mutual understanding about my work.
Can you
recall the first video you ever shot?
Nature
from black, title of the song ”Waiting Day” and it was shot for 20,000 naira.
What
video can you regard as your best work?
For me
I will say two of them one is ”Kaba Kaba” by Konga.The second is Komole by
T.I.V.
You have had series of nomination in video directing how
many have you won?
In 2001,
I got the award for best video director City people, best gospel RnB video last
year, NMVA best use of choreography in the song Komole.
How interesting do you find movie production?
 I shot a drama series titled ”Ring of fire”,
I have shot and directed movies for people. I will shoot my own personal movie
soon.
Its quite interesting and I enjoy my job
Where do you view Akin Alabi years to come?
I see
my work being more appreciated, they get to see the other side of me apart from
cinematography. I hope to have released more music and photography years to
come. I will be a force to reckon with in Nigeria and the World.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I play
the keyboard and produce music that how I relax.
Advice to youth who want to be a cinematographer
Be focused, hardworking,
make use of your time very well, don’t get discouraged easily find a mentor to
guide you, and believe in God.

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Elated Polaris Bank Customer commends Bank for excellent customer service

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Polaris BAnk

Polaris Bank customer, Ife Michael, who recently aired her concerns on X (formerly Twitter) on a school fees transaction, has commended the Bank for resolving her Complaint swiftly as promised.

 

Ife Michael tweeting via her X handle @V_Ifemichael had called out the Bank for ‘seizing’ her funds as sent from a UK University where she had sought admission.

Polaris Bank reacted promptly to her Complaint and engaged her to explain the process and promised to resolve the issue which the Bank did swiftly.

An apparently elated Ife Michael went back to the micro blogging site to recount her experience with an update on her earlier thread of how the Bank swiftly resolved her Complainant.

The Bank, according to her update “responded and reached out to explain in details the guidelines underpinning FX transaction as it relates in particular to International payment.

In her tweet, Ife Michael expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank’s swift action and transparent communication. According to her, the Bank clarified that the situation was complex but assured her that the funds would be promptly refunded to the school. And Polaris Bank did exactly as it promised as it promptly refunded the money to Roehampton University and initiated necessary processes to streamline the refund.

The engagement began when Polaris Bank’s headquarters made the first contact at 11:48 am, and by 3:41 pm on the same day, Ife Michael confirmed that the Bank had successfully refunded the funds and

fulfilled all required procedures. The Bank also took the extra step of writing to the school to facilitate the process.

This positive outcome highlights Polaris Bank’s commitment to customer satisfaction, responsive and excellent customer service, and adherence to regulatory policies. The incident not only showcases effective conflict resolution but also underscores the power of a Bank fostering transparent communication between it and her customers.

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Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United

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Cristiano Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes held meetings with United at Carrington on Tuesday, but his position remains unchanged and he wants to play for a club in the Champions League and win major trophies. United do not want him to go, however, and Ronaldo has started training with the team having missed the club’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to family reasons.

His potential options elsewhere are limited. Chelsea are not an option anymore, while Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid appeared to publicly rule themselves out this week. “As we’ve seen on Instagram, Ronaldo has been keeping fit, so there are no concerns from Manchester United over his fitness or physical level; he’s one of the fittest players in world football.

“Ultimately, The Portuguese forward did state his desire to leave Old Trafford, but he’s running out of options, and it seems like he’s actually going to have to stay. Perhaps he will try and swing it where the 25 per cent pay cut in his contract will be waived away by United, perhaps he wants to manoeuvre and muscle a new deal, we’ll have to wait and see. But it doesn’t look like Stamford Bridge is on his cards.

“Chelsea have distanced themselves from a deal for Ronaldo, as have Bayern Munich, Napoli and a lot of other elite clubs that Jorge Mendes, who is Ronaldo’s agent, has tried to sell him to. “An offer from Saudi Arabia is astronomical but ultimately, it does not give Cristiano Ronaldo what he wants, which is that legacy. He wants to achieve Champions League records that he thinks no one else will be able to attain in the future.

“He wants to sign off at the absolute highest level. Now, it looks increasingly like he will have to stay at Manchester United because there are no biters from the big clubs.

“Everyone has their forwards already, and Chelsea, who are the only club looking like they could actually potentially be spun by what Cristiano Ronaldo offers off the pitch because we were told that Mendes, while being in front of these clubs, was putting forward his numbers in terms of social media influence, sponsorship that he rakes in, the commercial gain of his shirt sales and stuff like that. But even they now say he is not in their plans. Their immediate aim is to strengthen the defence.

“So, that leaves Ronaldo really with not many choices. We know that he does want to be competing at the highest level so if he does go to Saudi Arabia that cuts against everything he has said and everything we actually know about him and his career.

“Manchester United have always been very calm and very comfortable. They have insisted he is not for sale, and he will see out the last year of his contract. How they manoeuvre this now going forward we’ll see, but Ronaldo is keeping fit, so they have no issues or problems or fears over what state he’ll report back to pre-season in.”

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CONVOCATION: GRACE NATION BIBLE INSTITUTE GRADUATES 120 STUDENTS

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-you must remain a good Ambassador of Christ- Chris Okafor

No fewer than 120 certified Trained Prophetic students of Grace Nation Bible Institute graduated today after they have gone through rigorous prophetic training by the best Teachers Supervised by the anointed servant of God Dr. Chris Okafor. The student was presented with their certificates at the special convocation ceremony held at the International Headquarters of Grace Nation(GBI) in Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria. According to the Rector of the institute, they satisfy all requirements and conditions to be awarded a diploma certificate in various fields of Prophetic and Bibles knowledge.

In his words of Encouragement, the President of Grace Nation Bible Institute, Dr. Chris Okafor remarks that he has no doubt in his mind that all the students are well-trained judging by the level and capacity of all the resource Personality who lecture them, train and retraining them to face any challenges that come there ways,
The Apostle of altars also challenged them to be a good ambassador of the school to the outside world through soul-winning to the kingdom of God.

The Generational Prophet of God also remarked that as you have all learned, you must put the name of a school in good repute and always ready to work for the Lord at any time

Some of the course covered in the 8weeks program includes Evangelism and soul-winning, spiritual development and Human Management to mention but few

The highlight of the convocation was the Presentation of Certificates to all the students, according to the Rector all the students perform excellently well

Earlier in his sermon, the Senior Pastor Grace Nation and the Generational prophet of God Dr. Chris Okafor teach on the series, ”The Covenant Day of Settlement” said settlement comes when you fulfill all the Principles of Settlement,
the man of God said nothing come free but when you applied the principles and follow it diligently you will easily get a settlement on all side

The realm of the Prophetic witnessed another higher dimension of Prophetic movement and deliverance through the Set Man, the Generational Prophet of God Dr. Chris Okafor, He visited many family altars and set many captives free, he also delivered people with blood-line diseases while delivering miracle babies to expectant mothers

The service came to a close with a special Prayer for the Set Man, the Generational Prophet of God Dr. Chris Okafor who will be making another birthday tomorrow, 4 April 2022.

 

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