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Tag: National Theatre

  • ‘National Theatre is symbol of Nigeria’s pride and history ’

    ‘National Theatre is symbol of Nigeria’s pride and history ’

    Prof Ahmed Parker Yerima is 60. The widely-travelled scholar, accomplished playwright and former Managing Director of the National Troupe and National Theatre was born on May 8, 1957. He has written several plays on diverse social and cultural issues. In this  interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, he speaks on his foray into theatre, the academia and more. Excerpts:

    Turning 60

    I feel grateful to God and man. It is a rewarding experience because I am able to live and see my children grow, and also witness my grandchildren born. It is so elating for me.

     

    Lesson life taught me

    Life has taught me to be humble. I have everything I need, which life gave me. Life has also taught me some hard lessons about people. So, I am sometimes overwhelmed at the issue of luck, which has been my life’s partner. But when I meet people who try to look down on me, I just smile because they appear like little lost children. If only they knew the power of God in my life. Life has been really kind to me.

     

    The part of being 60 I don’t like

    The part that I will be 70 in 10 years. The part that I am beginning to look more like my late father. The part that whatever you say now, people believe and take you seriously. And the part that 50 things will be on your mind to do, and you are still sitting, still wondering if the energy will see you through. I guess that is why the Yoruba say: “Ifura logun agba”.

     

    Thought of being accomplished at 60

    I thought of it one day. Did I accomplish anything on earth? A former student of mine had asked if I was happy; and I replied that I am happy because I know that when I die many people will mourn me. Just send me a kind word. Not the physical accomplishments, but the thoughts of other people on the kind of person you are now, or you were when you were alive. It matters a lot to me.

     

    Success nuggets that kept me on top of my game

    Focus. Knowing what I want, being determined and focusing on my objectives with a sense of humility to learn from others have been my success nuggets.

     

    Part of my growing up that influenced the man I became

    It did tremendously. Being the son of a police officer, I saw Nigeria while moving with him. That is why I write multi-cultural plays. My father was jovial and made me laugh a lot. So, I make people around me laugh and happy. My friend’s parents whom I adopted were generous and firm. I am with both my children. Prof Wole Soyinka influenced my writing of plays, now I write good plays. So, at 60, yes, I am highly influenced by the people I have met and what I have done in life.

     

    Being in the world of theatre these past years

    I have spent 44 years. It has been worth every minute of it. I wrote my first play, Batuma’s Daughter in form three. Set up a drama group, which was made up of my classmates from Baptist Academy and Reagan Memorial Girls Secondary School. We performed it. That was how I started in drama. By the time we did Isiburu by Elechi Amadi, I was set to read and enjoy drama. As for my career, it has been worth every second. I met those I saw on television when I was growing up. I wrote plays for them, co-starred with them, directed some of them … what else can I ask for? I was a Director-General for three parastatals at the same time. I have been to every country in the world, dancing, singing on behalf of my country. Now people become professors and doctors on my plays. All glory goes to God. I am content and happy with my chosen carrier.

     

    My foray into the world

    of theatre and academia

    I went into theatre by accident. I wanted to study Law at the University of Ife. But when I started the course, I found that I enjoyed it. So, I stayed with it. But right from when I was young I wanted to teach drama. I liked the titles of “Doctor” and “Professor”; I also felt I needed a steady job in between being a freelance artiste. So, I did not waste time after my first degree to pursue my dream. My father was very understanding. He backed me all the way through. I have not regretted or looked back. It was hard, but it was also fun. What the government jobs at the National Troupe, National Theatre and Abuja Carnival, did for me was to provide me with materials to write my plays. The experience made me know my country, the tribes, the sensibility. It made me understand why I had to write. So, that’s where they meet – academia and professional practice. I blend them, allowing one to help the other, so that I can emerge through my works.

     

    Highest points of each

    My high points in my theatre career was when I became the Director-General of both the National Troupe and National Theatre, I knew that was the only way I could achieve anything good on the job. That was why I chose to leave when they were separated again. And in the academics, the day I became a professor, and the day I delivered my inaugural lecture, my fulfilment was complete.

     

    Challenges of being a playwright

    The challenges of being a playwright for me is trying to tell a story that would grip the attention of the audience and at the same time talk to the society. So, I try to write plays that point towards social plays and yet entertain.

     

    The place of the National

     Theatre in the polity

    The National Theatre is a home of culture. It is a place built for the celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. It is an icon of history and development. It is a monument of tourism; and a place for the aspiration of every artiste in Nigeria. It is also a spiritual place for artistic excellence. Without the National Theatre in the polity, Nigeria’s pride and history will be lost. Because it personifies our one place of unity in our very diversified comity.

     

    Bringing the National Theatre to what it was meant to represent

    Provision of funds for the repairs and rehabilitation of the National Theatre is the way to get the place back on course. Also the appointment of people who will expand the initial blueprint of the National Theatre. Break some places up, add new ideas. Take it from 1977 to 2017.

     

    Impact of winning the NLNG

    Literature Prize on my writing

    Winning the NLNG Nigerian prize for literature in 2006 made me to begin to take myself more seriously as a playwright. It gave me respect. But it made me work harder. I needed to show that I was not a flash in the pan. It was in 2010 when Little Drops was runner up, that I actually agreed I was good. I could have won again. I was good. It reaffirmed my psychological persona. That was what it did for me.  And when I became a one of the judges for the NLNG prize, I knew I was better than I thought I was.

     

    Inspiration behind my use of mythical and historical characters in my plays

    I like to play the little god when I write. I like the freedom and power of the playwright. I like the escape into different worlds when I write. I first met myths through Wole Soyinka in school at Ife. Then in England at the Royal Holloway College, University of London, I was taught how to use myths to tell my stories. The government through my assignments took me to the Nigerian myths, the owners and the users. So, when I started writing seriously, myths appeared very natural as base for my content and themes. Now I create my own myths and embed them within my thematic preoccupation. I have become the master of the universe I create because you have to believe in my myths or use of them or you lose the essence of the plays I write. Finally, the story and my intended audience inspire my use of myths and history. For the historical plays, I assume the stories are known. So, I go for the minds of the historical characters: why did they fail or succeed; what was Ovonranwen thinking about as the Whitemen approached Benin? Or what was the last thing on the great Ameh Oboni’s mind as he hung himself? These questions propel me and the story and help me to capture the tragic presence of my protagonists.

     

    Ideology my literature addresses

    I don’t like ideological brackets. But gradually I find I cannot escape it. The scholars need it for their academic discourse. I have written the plays. If it will help you, please ease them into whatever ideological boundaries you may wish. I just endeavour to write good stories that I pray would touch the reader and audience and fit into an ideological position somewhere.

     

    The place of Internet in written word and the theatre

    With the wake of the new media (Internet), the written word and the theatre are not endangered. I use the new technology and social media to help my works … especially research. The first blessing was the Computer. I must have up to six, and there is an unfinished play in each one. That accounts for my being prolific. Then in a flash, I google things I don’t understand, words I can’t spell. I call up friends and get help with ibirra songs, Igbo masquerades, Hausa chants. I even google myself to know what the current thoughts on my works by scholars are. It helps me grow. Sometimes I think technological advancement is made for the writer. The new media is a blessing to the modern writer.

     

    Staying relevant in the new age

    To be relevant to his immediate society, a playwright/thespian must observe. Society gave birth to him. Society nurtures him, so in giving back to society, he must be sincere, genuine and clear in the purpose of talking back to his society. He must criticise, but entertain. He must be firm, but not insult. He must make them laugh, but ask them to think also. This is why the task is difficult but fun.

     

  • NGO holds anniversary at National Theatre

    A non-governmental organisation Rhesus Solution Initiative (RSI) will tomorrow present a stage play on Rhesus factor to mark its 10th anniversary.
    The play entitled Bite the Myth, is to be presented in a Theatre for Development (TFD) style at the Cinema Hall One of the National Theatre, Iganmu.
    RSI President/ Initiator Mrs Olufunmilayo Banire said this at a briefing in Lagos to mark RSI 10th anniversary.
    Mrs Banire said the event will be chaired by a professor of Haematology and a former Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Professor Aba Sagoe.
    According to her, the theme of this year’s event Every Life Counts was chosen to emphasise that no matter how low the prevalence of the rhesus negative status may be, every effort must be made to save every life.
    She said Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service Dr Modupe Olaiya, will deliver the anniversary lecture on Preventing Rhesus disease; an achievable contribution to the reduction of the high rate of infant mortality.
    She said: “Also, we would be having awards for individuals and corporate organisations that have supported us immensely from inception till date. As side attractions, we will be having free blood group and rhesus test, free HIV screening, free blood sugar and cholesterol test and Voluntary blood donation.”

    “Our target audience for the event includes health workers (Nurses, laboratory scientists and community health workers), representatives from National and International Health Agencies, Non-Governmental organizations, community birth attendants, teachers from secondary schools, Rhesus negative women and the general public.”

  • A Theatre of new life

    A Theatre of new life

    Life has finally returned to the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.  Until recently, events that were supposed to be held at the Theatre were either shelved or shifted to other venues.  The reason for this was clear to all close watchers and followers of events in the theatre sector to see.  It was due to the intransigent nature of the former General Manager of the Theatre named Kabir Yusuf.  His primary intention was to deny the Theatre of lively and social activities so that the Federal government would deem it fit to release it for privatization.

    Unfortunately, this did not work.  It did not work because there were other stronger forces acting against Yusuf’s plans.  Artistes and concerned stakeholders of the sector kept the heat on for the privatization not to materialize.  Today, social events, theatrical programmes, dramas, musical jamborees, film shows and more, have returned to the Theatre.  Just this last Easter celebrations, a lot of programmes were held at the Theatre that there was hardly any day that did not witness one stimulating programme or the other.  Artistes themselves are now at home with the turn of event.

    From stage plays to film shows and dances, there are varieties of shows to keep thespians glued to the Theatre.  With the recent electrification of the surroundings of the Theatre, night life within the premises has also become a delight.  The illumination which was done by the immediate past GM of the Theatre, Mr. George Uffot showed a man in tune with his immediate constituency.  Now events can run well into the night and there wouldn’t be any fear of insecurity.  People often gather on the lawns, sit in the gardens and the parks most evenings to relax and have fun.  Even from afar one can easily see the total glow and beauty of the Theatre once darkness beckons.

    The Events Manager of the Theatre, Mr. Biodun Abe, a firm believer in the resort to social functions to keep the place aglow, has been up and doing, creating theatrical activities to retain the interest of theatre lovers in the edifice.  Every weekend, he and his team ensures there is one or two programmes, namely, a film show or a stage play to draw attention to the premises.  This he has been doing for close to one year now that the cinema halls, the event venues and so on which were hitherto bereft of actions have once again become ever busy, gregarious and purposeful.

    Even when the theatre halls have been renovated, with most of the facilities functioning well, this is the time for government to do the rest to ensure a complete theatre environment to boast the sector.  Tourists who troop into Lagos often want to go to the Theatre.  But where there is no room for comfort and when the water supply system is bad, how do they flush the toilets and enjoy the convenience?

    Lots more need to be done.  The central cooling system has gone bad for a long time.  Some of the alley ways and staircases have no illumination.  The lift which was a delight to all when the Theatre was at its peak has since remained comatose.

    For theatre to remain the so-called goldmine, a plausible alternative source of revenue, heavy and concerted efforts, have to be in place in order to attract the desired patronage.  There is no better time for that than now.  It is hoped that the new management led by Tar Ukoh, a tested grassroots artiste himself, will help to better the lots of the National Theatre.  This is time for this repositioning in the total interest of the culture sector in Nigeria.

  • Beyond the Garb thrills at National Theatre

    Beyond the Garb thrills at National Theatre

    The beauty of this year’s World Theatre Day (WTD) celebrations were the array of plays put in place to mark the day.  From 24th to 27th March, the theatre scene in Lagos was alive.  It was when theatre artistes put their differences in the cooler to ensure a successful celebration to make artistes feel happy and proud of their profession.

    With the new play titled Beyond the Garb written and directed by Ayo Jaiyesimi of the Thespian Theatre Family as the lead play for the show, it was easier to use it to ignite the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, venue of the celebration.  The drama was purposely adorned with the necessary ingredients to keep WTD in the front-burner.  Jaiyesimi made it clear that Beyond the Garb is a deliberate effort to look at the other side of the Nigerian society, using satire and comedy to dissect a society that is not ready to make progress.

    While the drama was on stage, those elements of socio-political indices that distort the flow of progress were put clearer by the artistes.  It was mixed with music, dance, songs, drama et al, to bring out the banters in people’s lives.  As the artistes prattled, danced, sang and made the audience feel the beauty of the fun in the story, it became clear that comedy can be effectively used to mirror the society.

    The drama engaged the people in different stages of rib-cracking humors, embellishing the scenes with serious issues of development.  Indeed, the endless conversation harped on the cord of love, unity, peace and progress.  What is the role of the ordinary citizen in this onward march to better the society?  In other words, the play interrogates the burning issues of socio-political and cultural tendencies where morality is in total abeyance.

    Nigeria needs total rebirth.  It is time to fight corruption and bring culprits to book.  Artistes have to write and engage in works that speak volumes based on these persuasions.  A 70-minute work, Beyond the Garb used the story of a monarchy where undue aberration was used to disrupt peace and progress of the people to situate a rudderless society.  Thus, the excitement this created helped to send some level of frenzy in the minds of the audience.  In a kingdom where the people wish to invite one of their subjects resident in the city to be made a king, will the local people accept him?  Will he be able to meet their needs and understand and tackle their predicaments?  The intrigues embedded in the play further made it interesting on stage.  It was even made more intriguing with the involvement of such wonderful artistes like Owumi Ugbeye, Breakthrough Ibeh, Omololu Sodiya, Ada Onyekpa and others.  It was directed by Nissi George and choreographed by Abel Utuedor.

    For the celebration to hold, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Israel Eboh told fellow artistes that time had come for Nigerians to begin to appreciate the works of dramatist, writers, dancers and those who make the entertainment industry bubble.  “In the last twenty-six years, NANTAP has worked tirelessly to fulfill its objectives,” Eboh said.

    Eboh said further, “we have through our programmes, advocacies and collaborations with cultural and arts agencies and institutions, both local and international, government and private, put the interest of the theatre practitioner on the front-burner of our agenda with a view to creating a most conducive environment for the artiste to ply his trade”, he said.

    Generally, the plays which included Osusu done by members of Lagos Arts Council and Moremi by the Crown Troupe of Africa were used to harp on those issues that unite the people together.  Nigerians have to come to the realization that theatre is a way of life.  It is the mirror of the society and therefore efforts have to be made to preserve and promote those salient socio-political elements that keep the people in one piece.

  • I’ll support revival of National Theatre, says Ambode

    I’ll support revival of National Theatre, says Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has made a firm commitment to partner the Federal Government for the renovation of the National Theatre, saying it is necessary to join hands to uplift national monuments.
    The Governor made the commitment during a joint inspection tour of the National Theatre with the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Lagos, on Sunday.
    ”I am going to support the whole concept of bringing this National Theatre back to life. This is not an investment for Lagos state, but a support for the rebirth of national heritage,” he said after the inspection.
    The Governor said if the National Theatre becomes functional, Lagos
    State, Nigeria and indeed the international community will benefit from it, adding that helping to revive the National Theatre is also part of his administration’s vision to use arts and culture to promote national heritage.
    In his remarks, the Minister said he is excited and fulfilled at the Governor’s expression of his firm commitment to the resuscitation of the National Theatre.
    ”Frankly speaking, I cannot be happier than I am today that I have got the firm commitment of the Governor that he is going to partner with the Federal Government to bring back the National Theatre to what it used to be.
    ”I see this as a hand of friendship between the State and the Federal Government in the area of reviving the creative industry and actually, this is the first major step in transforming the creative industry to a creative economy,” he added.

  • National Theatre a security threat, says police chief

    National Theatre a security threat, says police chief

    The National Theatre in Lagos has become a security threat, according to Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.

    The police chief raised concerns over the state of the country’s pride during a visit to the edifice.

    He said: “How could they have left this bush to grow like this? Is there no somebody that is responsible for this place? I expect that they should know that not clearing a bush like this exposes residents to security risks, as hoodlums can capitalise on the situation to dispossess residents and passersby of their valuables.”

    A visibly disturbed Owoseni was forced to seek the attention of those in charge of the edifice.

    He declined journalists’ requests to join him in meeting the management.

    The situation on ground has also become worrisome for people within the premises.

    A trader said: “the area has now become a security risk and a clear danger to lives and property in the neighbourhood. There is still need to light up the whole area and the overgrown weeds should be cut.

    “Most of the area boys around now use the place as toilet at night. Everywhere smells during the day. As you can see that it is now a think bush which doesn’t befit this place apart from the hazard it poses to the residents.”

    A man who declined mentioning his name said: “For government to sanitise the place, let them start by securing the place because there are fears that the people go through the place at their own risk except the issue of security is taken care of.

  • Lagos CP decries state of National Theatre

    Lagos CP decries state of National Theatre

    The National Theatre Lagos drew the concern of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni who lamented the state of the edifice during a recent visit.

    “How could they have left this bush to grow like this? Is there no one responsible for this place?

    “I expect that they should know that not clearing a bush like this exposes residents to security risks, as hoodlums can capitalise on the situation to dispossess residents and passersby of their valuables,” said the Police chief.

    Owoseni, who was not on a planned visit, then sought the attention of those in charge of the edifice.

    The situation is also worrisome for commuters and residents who ply the access road daily. Some of them said “the area has now become a security risk and a clear danger to lives and property in the neighbourhood.”

    A resident who spoke with The Nation, said: “there is still need to light up the whole area and the overgrown weeds should be cut.

    “Most of the Area Boys around now use the place as toilet at night. Everywhere smells during the day. As you can see that it is now a thick bush which doesn’t befit this place apart from the hazard it poses to the residents.

    “For government to sanitise the place, let them start by securing the place because there are fears that the people go through the place at their own risk except the issue of security is taken care of.

    Meanwhile, indications emerged recently that the National Theatre, which used to be the premium entertainment hub will return to its past glory, as the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have agreed to give the edifice a facelift.

    The Nation reported recently that the Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is midwifing the process of partnership between the two governments on the renovation of the national edifice.

    Speaking after an inspection tour of the theatre in Lagos on January 28, 2017, ahead of the renovation, Alhaji Mohammed described the facility as a valuable national asset that cannot be allowed to become derelict.

    “We are here today to take physical stock of what the Lagos State Government has offered to help us with – that is the rehabilitation of the National Theatre,” he said, adding that “The National Theatre is an asset we can boast of, and what we need to do is to bring it back to a working condition.’’

    The minister promised that after the renovation, the national edifice will not be allowed to go into a state of disrepair again.

  • FG partners Lagos State on National Theatre

    FG partners Lagos State on National Theatre

    There are indications that the National Theatre, which used to be the premium entertainment hub will return to its glory, as the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have agreed to give the edifice a facelift.
    Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is midwiving the process said the partnership between the two governments on the renovation of the National Theatre will breathe life into the national edifice.
    Speaking after an inspection tour of the theatre in Lagos on Saturday, ahead of the renovation, Alhaji Mohammed described the facility as a valuable national asset that cannot be allowed to become derelict.
    ‘’We are here today to take physical stock of what the Lagos State Government has offered to help us with – that is the rehabilitation of the National Theatre.
    ‘’I want to use the opportunity to express my gratitude and that of the Federal Government to the Governor, the Government and the people of Lagos state, who have graciously offered to assist to renovate the main bowl of the National Theatre, two cinema halls, the exhibition lobby and the banquet hall as part of the collaboration between the Federal Government and the State, especially as the state turns 50 this year,’’ he said.
    Alhaji Mohammed said ‘’with the hand of friendship that the Lagos Government has extended to us, we are very hopeful that we are going to get the main bowl, two cinema halls, the exhibition lobby and the banquet hall renovated and ready for the Lagos at 50 celebration.
    ‘’The National Theatre is an asset we can boast of, and what we need to do is to bring it back to a working condition,’’ he said.
    The minister promised that after the renovation, the national edifice will not be allowed to go into a state of disrepair again.
    ‘’I know that the question on the lips of many people is that what happens after the renovation. But I want to assure Nigerians that it cannot be business as usual. The National Theatre now has a new management that is in tune with reality and we will simply not allow the National Theatre to degenerate to the level we met it today,’’ he said.
    Alhaji Mohammed said Lagos State will benefit massively from the renovation of the theatre, ‘’because it is going to give the necessary impetus to the creative industry’’.

  • Lagos to help renovate the National Theatre – Lai Mohammed

    Lagos to help renovate the National Theatre – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that the nation’s creative industry will witness dramatic turn-around in few months.

    He stated this on Sunday evening in Lagos at the stage performance of a play “Itan’’ (Story) at the National Theatre by the Thespian Family Theatre and Production.

    The minister disclosed that between Feb. 28 and March 6, the British Council in collaboration with the Ministry will be running a capacity building workshop for festival managers all over Nigeria.

    “We believe that what our creative people need today is to see the creative industry as a creative economy.

    “It is not enough to see a fantastic performance like we see here today, but the actors must be able to translate their talent to money.

    “There is no reason why while a creative artist should die poor because, in other parts of the world, the richest people are the people whose products are based on intellectual creativity,’’

    The minister also said that he would be presenting the amended National Endowment for the Arts Act to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and subsequent forwarding to the National Assembly.

    He said the amended Act will make it possible for young artists to have access to grants and funds to finance their works.

    The minister appealed to the rich and philanthropist to invest more in the creative industry, noting that everywhere in the world, the industry is sustained by philanthropists.

    Mohammed said that the Lagos State has offered to assist in renovating the main bowl of the National Theatre, two cinema halls, the exhibition lobby and the banquet hall.

    He said the renovation which would be completed for use at the grand finale of the “Lagos at 50 celebrations’’ in two months was a fall out of the collaboration between the Federal Government and states.

    The minister thanked the state governor, Akinwumi Ambode for his cooperation, stressing that the partnership will breathe life into the National theatre.

    He appealed to other governors to look at the creative industry as a local industry which they can annex to create more jobs for the people.

    “It may be slow, but I want to assure you that this government will move the creative industry from the margin to the mainstay of the economy.

    “We are going to strengthen our law enforcement and ensure that illegal reproduction of your works by pirates become a thing of the past,’’ he said.

    Mohammed commended the Director of the play, Mrs Ayodele Jaiyesinmi for bringing talents to bear in the production of the world-class stage performance.

    He said the play is a demonstration of the artificial disconnect among the old, the new and the incoming generations.

    “I am so impressed with what I saw today, you can see the diversity, the complexity. We were here and went 60 years back and 60 years forward

    “What that means is that no matter the level of technology or modernity we attain, we must never lose our humanity.

    “I keep telling the world that Nigeria has a lot to show and tell the world.

    “I have watched performances all over the world, this qualifies as an A class performance anywhere in the world,’’ he said.

    Jaiyesinmi said that the inspiration for “Itan’’ was based on youth restiveness and tensions in the country caused by a generational divide.

    She explained that the play captured the challenges of generational divide vividly, its effects on the society and proffered solutions.

    If you noticed we have four generations in the play which demonstrated that every generation has its uniqueness, however, each has a feeling of the divide.

    The older ones feel frustrated and they right off the younger ones thinking that they are too nonchalant and too fluid in their ways.

    At the same time, the younger ones just don’t like the older ones because they are very procedural.

    “However, the play concludes that we are all important and we all have our characteristics and we need to understand the different features so that we can work together for the progress of the society,” she said.

    Jaiyesinmi said the old generation must understand the ways of the young ones and involve them in planning, strategy in order to have a harmonious society.

  • Festac77@40: Over 45 countries to participate

    Festac77@40: Over 45 countries to participate

    No less than 45 African countries had indicated their interests to participate in the forthcoming celebration of Festac77 @ 40 that would start on April 1 across the country.

    Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, the Director-General, Centre for Black Arts and Africa Civilization (CBAAC) disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Anikwe said that: Japan, Canada, the United States of America, China and other developed countries outside Africa had also shown interests in participating.

    NAN reports that Festac 77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos from Jan.15, 1977 to Feb.12, 1977and 59 countries participated.

    The month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased to the world African music, fine art, literature, drama, dance and religion.

    Several countries showcased their artworks at the National Theatre, the Nigerian National Museum and some places around the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), then.

    According to Anikwe, activities marking the celebration will hold simultaneously in no less than 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) where one of the anniversary’s mascots will be unveiled on April 1, 2017.

    “The anniversary’s mascots will be unveiled simultaneously on April 1 in Abuja, Abeokuta and Addis-Ababa in Ethiopia.

    “That of Abuja will take place at the International Conference Centre, which would be the opening ceremony.’’

    He said that the event would kick off on April 1 to end in December, adding that different cultural displays would be held in some states: Katsina, Enugu, Ogun, Kaduna, Akwa- Ibom and more.

    “ We are going to have a Durbar display in Katsina, there will be masquerade festivals in Enugu and the rolling out of 40 drums in Abeokuta, which is the symbol of Festac 77.

    “ All ethnic chanters will be on the ground and there will be the recitation of poems, staging of plays, and the singing of indigenous songs.

    “This celebration will coincide with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 80th birthday anniversary that is why Abeokuta is playing a leading role.’’

    NAN reports that General Olusegun Obasanjo was the military head of state in 1977 when Nigeria hosted Festac 77.

    Anikwe said that CBAAC had been sensitising hotel operators the across the cities where the events would hold to upgrade their facilities.

    They should also ensure that during the celebration, their charges should be affordable for local and international tourists and we have gained their consent, he said.

    Anikwe said that the organisation had involved all the security agencies to ensure utmost security of lives and properties during the period.

    He added that CBAAC had designed uniforms for the security agencies which they would adorn then for easy identification by officials, tourists and visitors.

    There would also be uniforms for children, artists and organisers made from Nigerian indigenous fabrics as part of promoting the made-in-Nigeria fabrics, he said.

    The D-G said that the event was going to be one of the most spectacular cultural events in the history of the country as participants would be transported from designated airports to their choice destinations.

    “There are plans for international tourists to be transported from the airports to their desired destinations during the celebrations because there will be activities in all the parts of the country.

    “ I am so glad to be among those that are planning for Festac77 at 40 because in 1977 was when I wrote the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE).  I can’t forget that in a hurry,” Anikwe said.