Scattered across the ancient town of Iseyin are talents. Aside being known for its mass production of the highly revered hand-woven material, Aso-Oke, and its aluminium pot factory, the town has got lots of untapped talents. This was the surprise package when residents of the Ebedi Writers Residency held their literary feast, reports Evelyn Osagie.
Located in the Northern part of Oyo State, the ancient town of Iseyin is laced with interesting tourist sites and untapped talents. This was the observation of guests at a creative feast held in the town.
One of those talents was a 10-year-old bata drummer, Moshood Ayandiran, who thrilled guests with his drumming during the cultural and dramatic performances by children in the town. His drumming came as a welcome accompaniment to the energetic drumming of his elder brother, Saheed who played the Iya–Ilu bata drum. Moshood, who had been playing the Omele metadrums since the age of four, said he intends to make a profession off drumming when he grows up.
Aside Moshood the ‘drummer’, the feast, which was organised by residents and management of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, also featured other talents, such as some young poets (Ibrahim Rasaq, Dorcas Adewunmi and Olusegun Deborah), who took turns to present their own poems to the audience.
Indeed it was festival of talents as children treated their parents and visitors to several dances, musical, poetic and dramatic presentations. Whether it was songs, drama or poetry, the children had words of admonition and message for their guests and the nation at large.
With the growing insurgency, the songs by the choral group came as a welcome flavouring in the feast as they called attention to the need for peace and unity in the polity, while urging the young to discover and use their talents positively.
They sang: “We are the ones to make Nigeria a better place…when peace in our heart; there’ll be peace in our homes…peace in the nation and the world…”
Sixteen year old multitalented Oluwadamila Grace’s inspirational song entitled, Leaning on God reminded the guests of the need to trust in the Divine strength no matter the odds.
The highlight of the event was the dramatic presentations by the drama group of the Iseyin District Grammar School (IDGS) where the event took place. The group thrilled the audience to spirited cultural performances and two drama sketches that highlighted the importance of education (A comedy), home training and parents’ encouragements.
Impressed by the presentations, Former Director, Ministry of Health, Dr Francis Ogundara, urged the children: “Never let anyone talk you down because you carry greatness inside of you. If you are unwavering, your dream will come true. It is good to develop your talent. You can achieve all you want through patience and determination.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Fatai Atanda, who is a native of the town, praised the show of talents by the children, while stating that the government has taken steps to boost development and tourism, especially through the on-going road construction in the town and across the state. “Barely a month ago, we had some visitors from abroad who would be partnering with government. They are working on developing the lake at Ado Awaye in Iseyin to an international standard,” he said.
The display of talents witnessed at the event was linked to the activities of the Ebedi International Writers Residency established by former president of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr Wale Okediran, which is popularly called the “White House” in Iseyin. It has become synonymous to a creative den for visitors and kids in the town, it was learnt.
According to parents, many have often wondered why their wards were passionately attending the regular meetings. “My daughter, Zainab is always saying that she goes to the White House and spends the whole day there. At first, I didn’t feel comfortable with her going there; but as a teacher, who knows the importance of extra-moral activities and encourages the young to develop their talents by putting their energy on something constructive, I allowed her.
“But on getting here today and seeing what she and her mates have done, I am happy and proud I allowed her. They have done me and their school proud. Engaging in creative and constructive extra-moral activities as they have usually help to expose and boost children’s confidence. Many, who were shy, are now bold. If they are allowed to develop their talents positively, they would be great in the future, especially if they start while they are young,” said IDGS and Vice Principal (Special Duties), Mrs Nimota Bimpe Atunwa, whose child was a participant.
Like Mrs Atunwa, Ogundare Sarafat, mother of Zainab (one of the student-actress), said she was particularly impressed by the efforts of the students. “I didn’t know that my daughter can act until I got here. I am happy and impressed with what I saw. Their drama has taught me many things, especially on the negative effect of swearing on my children.”
IDGS English teacher, Prince Femi Olalere praised the efforts of the organisers, saying: “It is good that parents can now see what their children have been going to the “White House” (as the residence is called) to do.”
After spending six weeks working on their manuscripts and mentoring children in the town, the residents said they were impressed with the numerous talents in the place. They, however, lamented that it is “unfortunate that most of them remain untapped”. It was learnt that the three residents – Funmi Aluko, Gertrude Uzoh and Jumoke Verrisimmo have been involved with working with children before coming for the programme.
Uzoh, who is also a musician and the brain behind the songs the children sang, said that aside offering her the space and time to finish her novel and a smaller book, six weeks in Ebedi gave her the opportunity to meet with other talented children.
She said: “Aside Youth Service, this is another enriching experience. I was working on my album when the opportunity came and I left it to come here. As a writer, serenity is what we seek, and that is what Ebedihas has done for me. I’ve achieved here, what I couldn’t have in six weeks if I had not come. For offering the opportunity and joy of being able to impact the children, thank you Ebedi. No doubt, Iseyin has got great talents! I only hope they would tap the many talents they’ve got.”
Aluko, who gave the children poetry and dram lessons, urged the government and corporate bodies to support the work of the founder of the residence, saying: “We want more of these across the country so that more people will benefit.
