The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Theatre

  • Theatre of life

    The Theatre Arts Students’ Association (TASA) of the Imo State University (IMSU) has inducted freshers into the department. The exercise was reminiscent of the traditional initiation. CHIDIEBERE ENYIA (400-Level English and Literary Studies) and EKENE AHANEKU (200-Level Medicine and Surgery) report.

    It was a scene to behold. The girls, in a single file, came out of the renovated Arts Theatre Complex, looking radiant like beautiful brides. They were dressed in white wrappers without tops. The men also adorned white wrappers. All have Nzu (ash) painted on their faces, chests and toes.

    The procession was led to the shrine by the ‘Chief Priest’, who held an Omu staff and a bottle of gin. A drummer, who trailed them, sounded the beat to herald what would happen. Another played tunes from a traditional flute, in a manner that brought back Igbo tradition.

    The rite was the inducton of freshers of the Theatre Arts Department. They were led to the sacred places with Omu (palm frond) across their mouths. They were ‘initiated’ one after the other by their senior colleagues.

    In Igbo tradition, holding palm fronds in the mouth symbolises protection, so to the freshers, it was a sign that they are protected in the department.

    The initiation took place on three spots: under a mango tree opposite the complex, the front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office and an open space opposite the Faculty of Humanities building.

    These places are no-go areas for students, which is why Theatre Arts students consider them as hallowed places.

    The rite was performed to cleanse the freshers of fear, shame, timidity and fright on stage. After the initiation, the students danced round the campus with masqueraders, entertaining their colleagues in other departments.

    Members of the university community watched in admiration. At the Faculty of Humanities, the initiates formed a wide circle around a calabash of sacrifice for the ‘gods’ of art and creativity. They sat on the ground and sang praises of the ‘gods’.

    Their senior colleagues joined to educate them on the rudiments of theatre arts and stage performances. They were told to obey all instructions in humility, loyalty and endurance.

    Some freshers, who were not attentive to the rituals, were given slight whips by their senior colleagues, who were narrating Igbo folklores and stage performances. They were marched back into the complex to be taught stage acts, which they would need as they progress in their studies.

    President of the department Callistus Mbam described the initiation as successful, noting that it marked the inauguration of his tenure as a students’ leader.

    “I am honoured because today is also our inauguration as the Theatre Arts Department executive. I appreciate the support of my predecessors and my senior colleagues. I am proud to be a thespian,” he said.

    Eberechukwu Nnamoko, a 300-Level student, said the event offered the freshers an opportunity to learn what theatre was about. “It is also to encourage them to develop composure while on stage because theatre is all about expressing yourself in a confident way,” he added.

    Some of the freshers expressed joy over their admission into the department. Abuchi Nwosu said: “I am happy that I have passed the rites of induction, which is traditionally done for every students of Theatre Arts. It is a nice experience for me and I shook off shyness that could prevent from embracing the spirit of art.

    Sylvester Nwokedi, a Master’s student, who spoke on behalf of the Head of the Department, said: “The significance of the initiation is to make them understand the basics of theatre. Before now, the freshers could not do stage performance. Since they participated in the initiation, they would have picked a few traits that will make them to be bold on stage.”

    After the ritual, the students gathered at the Commassie Building, where they entertained their colleagues.

  • Comedy, theatre, music make up this weekend

    Comedy, theatre, music make up this weekend

    It promises to be a weekend of excitement for entertainment lovers. Ovwe Medeme takes a look at a few of the events that fun seekers and those seeking a good time should go for.

    Band Aid: A dramatic experience with a musical twist

    Starting from Sunday May 4 Band Aid runs at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos every Sunday.

    A production of Majmua Theatre, it tells the story of a group of tightly knit band mates who have distinct hidden psychological issues. They all fall in love with the same girl who is also fighting her own demons. To fill the void in her life she takes them up as a project, but what happens when her own demons come crawling out of the closet?

    Written and Directed by Abiodun Kassim, the Play stars Toyin Oshinaike, Patrick Diabuah, Toju Ejoh, Adesua Etomi,Tosin Oluwadare, Demi Olubanwo and Tosin Gregory.

    The play shows twice every Sunday, at 3 and 6 pm

     

    Star Trek goes to Benin

    Fans are in for some major surprises this weekend as music superstars Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Dr Sid and KCee have been unveiled as the headline artistes who will thrill fans in Benin at Ogbe Stadium, Benin City come May 17 at the ongoing Star Music Trek concert.

    Making its eighth stop in Benin City, Edo State, the concert, according to its organizers, will bring with it all the excitement and fun that has characterized every concert since it flagged of its first stage in Nsukka on March 29.

    Meanwhile, the Star Music Trek gig, which holds before each concert, will be hosted at PlayHouse Bar Today.

     

    The Chronicles of Ushbebe live rocks Lagos

    Come Sunday, May 18, one of Nigeria’s finest actor/comedian, Justice Nuagbe, Aka Ushbebe, will, hold the maiden edition if his standup show titled The Chronicles of Ushbebe. The show, which promises to be an all-round entertainment fair, takes place at MUSON Centre and commences at 2pm.

    The show features comedy, music and a bit of stage drama. Put together by Pride Rock Entertainment, the event will feature a three character presentation titled Official, featuring Ushbebe himself, Godwin, another radio presenter and Laff Up as the cast. Comedians expected to spice up the show include I go Dye, AY, Gordons, Seyilaw, Maleke, Elenu, Princess, Helen Paul, Koffi while the likes of Kcee, Iyanya, Terry G, Sean Tizzle, Harry song, Illbliss, Chidinma, Solidstar, Yemisax, Praiz, Emma Nyra and a host of others will be there to dish out good music.

     

     

  • Uduaghan in the theatre

    Uduaghan in the theatre

    Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan performed a first last week. He led a team of Nigerian and American doctors to the theatre to perform kidney transplants twice. In the first, a mother donated her kidney to save the son. In the second, the son donated his kidney to save the mother. In this labour of love, a governor-doctor led a team to save two families. With the heavy schedules of governors, he performed what is called a wise daring. He risked everything to perform this act. If it failed, the headline would have been most embarrassing. Hence, he deserves accolades for this act of example, courage and diligence.

     

  • Exploring alternative space for theatre

    Exploring alternative space for theatre

    Apart from the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, there are no other befitting theatre venues in Lagos. But a more flexible and spontaneous venue not confined to time and space was the focus of Pop-Up National Theatre, an initiative by two German artists, Constanze Fischbeck and Daniel Kotter in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Lagos.

    Pop-Up National Theatre, a one-week event, which, held at the old Federal Government Printing Press, Lagos, featured exhibitions, sound and video installations, performances, films, talks and discussions, provided art lovers with an improvised Mainland theatre on the Island. The event, which seeks to inform and encourage theatre users that there are alternative places to produce plays, hold art exhibitions, design and showcase them effectively, not requiring a big structure.

    Prof Ahmed Yerima of the Redeemer University (RUN), Mowe described the project as an alternative to the theatre in Iganmu, an answer to the future creative minds that are less privileged to make use of theatre resources, to produce creative productions, and can therefore use any available space as a theatre. He said the initiative is to create more theatres in places that we decide, and places least expected, like the Federal Government Press for instance; which statutory business is to print and publish all federal government documents but used as a temporary theatre house for the celebration of Nigeria’s cultural values.”Pop-up theatre is for young creative minds, it lives within our time so let us create theatres in places that we want, rather than gigantic places,” Ahmed said.

    Continuing, he said: “When you look at the programme reeled out, you will identify with them and that is why I am involved. It gives me an opportunity to witness products of the next generation of artistes who are not the people of my generation.”

    Director of the Goethe-Institut, Lagos, Marc-Andre Schmachtel, who made known that the project was the last on the Institut’s calendar of activities for the year said it is to present art in a different way, using abandoned and defunct spaces to appreciate art and culture.

    He urged government and artistes to use any available space or defunct structures in the country as theatre.

    “We will speak with the Governor and other officials, if we can work on this space and turn it into a much bigger and better art space”, he said.

    Kotter, one of the principal initiators, described the project as “an irregular exhibition organised on purpose, marking the beginning of a process that would last for a week or probably a year”.

    Fischbeck, his co-initiator who said the project is set to provide answers to questions like, what can theatre be?, and what will theatre be? is certain that the initiative would improve the cultural value of Nigeria.

    The project, which is corporate-driven with the support of the Goethe-Institut is believed to last longer unlike other similar ventures with the government participation. It also brought an ensemble of experienced personnel from different art angles ranging in multimedia, media, performing art, visual art and photography. Notable people like Segun Adefila, a performing artiste; Ayoodele Arigbadu, an architect and writer; Jelili Atiku, performing artiste; Koku Konu, another architect; Emeka Ogboh, sound and video artist, contributed immensely to the project.

  • Lagos experiences theatre

    As parts of efforts to keep the practice of theatre alive, Wazobia Theatre House with ASAP, a capacity building company, unveiled a theatre collection in Lagos.

    The collection, which is titled: Theatre on the Mainland Series, would serve residents of Lagos Mainland with interesting theatre performances.

    According to the project’s Team Coordinator, Mr Olabanji Olawale, it is set up to create awareness for theatre on the Mainland, adding that residents of Lagos mainland do not need to visit theatre houses on the Lagos Island before experiencing quality theatre shows. The initiative, he said, does not have any particular audience in mind but it plans to reach out to majority of people around the mainland.

    He said: “Theatre is a re-emerging industry and so, need more people investing in theatre productions so as to reclaim the glory it had in the past. Aside from being a business, Theatre on the Mainland series uses the platform to develop people regarding youth development, capacity building and creating job opportunities.

    “Someone told me after seeing one of the dramas that ‘it is better than watching a movie. Like in the last three to four months, coordinators of the projects would have paid about 40 youths. People keep saying that there is no work but the theatre industry can employ so many youths.”

    According to Olabanji, the production holds its monthly production every last Sunday at YABATECH’s Vginis Main Hall. The shows, which, he said, this has been on for five months now, included: Osaka the Porter, written and directed by Jude Ikenna Okpala and produced by Olawale Olabanji; The Engagement written by Prof Femi Osofisan, directed by Jude Ikenna Okpala and produced by Olawale Olabanji; Lottery Ticket, written by Prof Ahmed Yerima; Prison Chronicles, written by Wole Oguntokun and Alego (The guest), written by Jude Ikenna Okpala.

     

     

  • ‘Theatre redevelopment should be transparent’

    ‘Theatre redevelopment should be transparent’

    A group of concerned stakeholders and culture activists rose from a crucial meeting in Lagos backing the revitalisation of the 37-year-old National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos will enable the monument to fulfill its role as a place for Nigerians to consume art and culture as well as propagate our cultural identity.

    It said the Theatre as the apex cultural institution in the country should play a more significant role in propagating our culture and well-being.

    In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the group led by Prince Yemisi Shyllon urged the Federal Government to among others, select partners under the public private partnership (PPP) arrangement that should be made public and transparent, and in line with the highest standards of global best practice.

    The group recommended a well-planned public-private-partnership (PPP) model for the re-development of the theatre complex, which would involve and accommodate the contributions of culture and art stakeholders. It also added that the redevelopment of the National Theatre should go hand-in-hand with the final passage of a revised National Policy on Culture and the setting up of the National Endowment for the Arts.

    “The National Theatre is not culture content-driven with due regard to its role as the centre of culture production but merely remains a cosmetic showpiece.

    All the cultural agencies and parastatals operating within the precincts of the NAT can continue to be accommodated under the proposed PPP arrangement, since these agencies represent the custodians of our national cultural interests, patrimony and heritage as a people,” it said. But it wondered what has happened to the inconclusive arrangement by Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to concession the National Theatre, an exercise that started in 2007.

    The Chief Executive Officer Jadeas Trust, an educational and cultural foundation, Mrs Yetunde Aina who are the promoters of the consortium that emerged as the reserve bidders at the public opening of the transaction bids in 2007, recalled that the BPE process was quite clear, and that following the failure of the preferred bidder to conclude on any particular transaction, a reserve bidder was automatically invited to conclude on the said transaction. “It is only following the incapacity of the reserve bidder to conclude on the process that the transaction can be deemed to have been aborted. We therefore trust that the Federal Government will adhere to the rule of law, due process and demonstrate transparency by bringing this process to a logical conclusion,” she noted.

    The August 27 meeting held at Terra Kulture Lagos, was attended by Dr. Ola Balogun, Ben Tomoloju, Odia Ofeimun, Deji Toye, Mrs Yetunde Aina and Ayo Arigbabu.

    The National Theatre was built in 1976 ahead of the Second Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture held the following year,

    The main complex, built in the shape of a hat on 23,000 square metres and standing over 31 metres high, has a 5,000-seater main hall with a collapsible stage, two 700-seater cinema halls equipped with simultaneous translation facilities for eight languages and conference/banqueting halls.  The complex until recent quit notice by the minister of Tourism Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, houses the National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigeria Gallery of Arts, National Troupe of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria and numerous restaurants and petty trade outlets.

    It would be recalled that the UACN Property Development Company and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, were among the 25 organisations bidding for the purchase of the National Arts Theatre, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and the Tafawa Balewa Complex, Lagos. To qualify for the data room inspection, each firm paid $10,000. The data room exercise, which began on April 24, 2007, was expected to be concluded on April 30.

    Infrastructica, UACN Property Development Company, XL Management, BHI Ventures, Jadeas Trust, Lloyd Anderson, Dolphin Properties, Zillenium Limited and BEPONG were among the bidders. But in September, last year, Chief Duke said a committee was set up to look into the possibility of  a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the management of the facility.

    “The committee consists of representatives of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructural Regulations Committee and Surveyor General,” he said. He added that the committee engaged BGL Consultants, a foreign consulting firm, to look into ways of turning around the surroundings of the theatre. The minister said the theatre ground had empty space with smelly water, which should be rehabilitated and the land turned into a five-star hotel, a shopping mall, offices, leisure spots and car parks.

    “This was designed 37 years ago, when the theatre was built but because of lack of funds, the plan did not come up. We issued a quit notice to National Gallery of Arts (NGA), National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) so that the plan can be materialised,” Mr Duke said.

     

  • Rewarding excellence

    The setting did not look like the usual lecture theatre, library or computer laboratory. It was not a gathering for group discussion or seminar presentation. But the atmosphere was full of glamour and glitz. It was the dinner and award night of research students of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan (UI).

    The centre, which was conceived by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1973 and revived by the Canadian International Development Research Centre in 1980, provides expertise in the establishment, update and application of standards for the construction, maintenance and effective utilisation of computerised databanks in Africa.

    It began operations in Nigeria in 1990 and undertakes research, trains high-level manpower and provides consultancy services in information science.

    The yearly event was held at the Sultan Bello Dome on campus. From the red carpet that covered the entrance of the venue, through the sparkle of the lightings to the exquisitely decorated walls and seats, students filed into the hall with joy.

    As guests made their entry, they were welcomed by loud music blaring from powerful speakers stationed at four sides of the hall. The students, who were still writing their second semester exam, looked resplendent in their attires.

    It was also a forum where students and staff related and spoke their minds on academic issues. Students and lecturers, who distinguished themselves in some activities, were honoured.

    In his address, the immediate past president of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science Students’ Association (ARCISSTA), Abimbola Ademola, said it was a stock taking event of the past year and also to reward outstanding personalities. Recalling the beginning of his tenure, Abimbola thanked God for the successes recorded during his time.

    During the award session, the Director of the Centre, Prof Muta Tiamiyu, was awarded a fellow of the students’ body. He was described as a father and frontline academic whose contributions in the training of information professionals and growth of the discipline could not be quantified.

    Prof Tiamiyu appreciated the students for the award and pledged to do more for the centre. He also hailed the students for upholding the institute’s ideals .

    The sub-Dean of the Centre, Dr Wole Olatokun, was recognised as the Most Outstanding Lecturer. According to the organisers, Olatokun’s mastery of the course, delivery styles and relationships with students stood him out among other lecturers.

    As he stepped out to receive the plaque, all the students rose to welcome Olatokun to the podium. Responding, the recipient appreciated the students for the award and pledged to do more. He urged the students to be committed to their research activities to ensure the nation’s growth.

    Other awardees are Abimbola, who received both the Most Outstanding Executive and the Most Friendly Student (male category), Ibikunle Opeyemi, Most Friendly Student (female category), Ademola Olayiwola, Best Dressed (male) and Temitope Babatunde, Best Dressed (female).

    The new executive members of the association were inaugurated on the occasion. Olatokun administered the oath on the officers, who included Towo Adeyemi, President, Similoluwa Olugbebi, Vice President, Biodun Olasebikan, General Secretary and Rashida Aligiwa, Assistant General Secretary.

    Others are Stanley Ibeku, Public Relations Officer, Dotun Aremu, Speaker, Adeola Olatunji, Financial Secretary and Treasurer, Chioma Sebastian, Director of Socials and Dapo Babalola, Director of Sports.

    Towo promised to uplift the association. He pledged that his executive would build on the legacy of the outgoing executive.

     

  • The allure of theatre attracted me to acting— Ghanaian actress, Kafiu Danku

    The allure of theatre attracted me to acting— Ghanaian actress, Kafiu Danku

    Burgeoning Ghanaian actress cum producer Kafiu Danku seeks to brave the odds as she is ready to take on the challenges that come with moviemaking in this part of the world. The actress who made her mark on the movie scene as the lead thespian in the widely acclaimed Ghanaian movie titled A Little Affair has all of a sudden become a delight among movie producers back home. She reveals a lot about her career and her rising profile in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

     

    HOW long have you been acting and producing movies as well?

    I have been acting for four years and this is my second movie as a producer.

    How did acting start for you?

    I have always loved the arts and I talked about it with a friend of mine some time ago. His name is Roger and he introduced me to Venus Films. I went for an audition and they were impressed with what they saw, and that was how my acting career started.

    How popular are you back home?

    I am quite popular back and sometimes I forget that I am popular. I try to live my life as simply as I can. People sometimes recognise me when they see me pass by and they are like: “Is she the one or not?” Then I realise that I am a face on TV; people make me realise that I am relatively known back home and that is a pointer to the fact that my works are being noticed.

    How would you describe yourself?

    I would term myself as a down to earth person; I am a simple person and try to give the best in whatever I do. I am plain and open; what else can I say? I think as time goes on people will get to know more about me.

    What’s your educational background like?

    I have a degree in English and Classics from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana.

    With a degree in English and Classics one would expect that you end up as a teacher. Why did you choose to be an actress?

    I would say the allure of theatre attracted me to acting; I love the arts and it was just natural that I ended up as an actress. I couldn’t have imagined myself doing anything else. It has been my dream to be on stage and act out my heart. I also like to be as expressive as possible.

    What has it been like as an actress in the last four years?

    It has been a rewarding experience as I have been able to develop myself as an actress. I have also evolved into a producer and that has somewhat expanded my horizon. I look forward to learning and achieving more in my chosen field of endeavour and I know the only way I can get there is by working really hard.

    How many movies have you been part of in the last four years?

    I have been part of a handful of movies; I have been part of 10 movies thus far and I am willing to be part of more blockbuster movies in the future.

    Which of those 10 movies has been the most challenging?

    As the saying goes, ‘You are as good as your last job’. The movie titled Letter to My Mother has been the most challenging movie that I have been part of in recent times. It was challenging because I had to work with actors such as John Dumelo and Adjetey Anang and a host of other frontline Ghanaian producers as well.

    Tell us more about Letter to my Mother?

    The movie is about the story of a young man who has lived abroad for a long time and he comes home with a wife. But the young man’s mother does not approve of the wife he is about to be married to. The said young man decided to get answers as to why his mother does not approve of his wife and in the process he uncovers a pile of letters that reveal why he shouldn’t be married to the lady in question. The story is an interesting story and it passes on a strong message.

    How much did you invest in the movie?

    I invested a lot of money; I am still spending because the movie is being premiered at the moment and that means we are still spending. I never thought it was going to turn out this big and I thank everyone that was part of the movie as I look forward to the next one pretty soon.

    What’s next for you after Letter to my Mother?

    I’ll be working on my next movie titled Devil in a Dress; it’s a hilarious movie and we have already started work on it. The movie will feature Nigerian and Ghanaian thespians and I am looking forward to it.

    How have you been able to balance acting and producing?

    I have been doing my bit, though it has not been easy. Nothing good comes easy and I always put my nose to the grindstone. I have worked hard to get to where I am today. This is my first time turning out as an actress and a producer; it has brought out the best in me, thanks also to the help of my assistant.

    Was it hard to get the likes of John Dumelo and Adjetey Anang to be part of Letter to my Mother?

    It wasn’t easy because they are also busy people and even though we are friends they didn’t make things easy for me. Especially with the amount they both charged me, but we came to a compromise after all and everyone on the set of the movie gave their very best.

    How toughened are you now, considering your relative experience?

    It has made me strong and I have learnt a whole lot. For instance, I have learnt that premiering movies in Ghana is quite different from what you have in Nigeria. To me, the right market is here and I hope to explore whatever opportunity that can be explored to ensure I get the best out of my latest movie. I am happy I am premiering my movie here in Nigeria because I have had quite a few nominations from the City People Awards and am happy I am here to showcase my movie.

    Are you married?

    (Laughs) I am fully booked…

    How do you handle advances, especially from die-hard male fans?

    I tell them that I am married and I try to handle the stubborn ones as maturely as I can. That is the way I turn down advances from men who accost me. Men will always make passes at women and it all depends on whether or not the lady is free. But as I said earlier, I am fully booked.

    What’s your greatest fear?

    My greatest fear is being poor; I dread the thought of waking up one morning to find out that I have nothing or I am poor. That is one of the reasons I have tasked myself to work harder and to give my very best in whatever I do.

    What’s the craziest thing you have attempted?

    I am not that much of a crazy person and I can’t readily think of anything crazy that I have done in the past. I don’t really think I am cut out for that anyway.

    How daring can you get on set?

    I try to give my best on set in terms of interpreting my roles effectively but I also try to draw the line too. I would not do anything on set that would compromise my person. I try as much as possible to be decent at delivering my roles whenever I am on set. If I feel I am not okay with a certain role, I will not accept it.

    What’s your projection?

    My projection is working towards being one of the very prominent moviemakers on the continent that contributed positively towards the development of African movies. I also look forward to making more movies that tell African stories the way they should be told.

  • Ministry defies National Assembly, concessions National Arts Theatre

    Ministry defies National Assembly, concessions National Arts Theatre

    A major row may be brewing between the Federal Government and the National Assembly after the executive defied a stay action order from the House of Representatives and went ahead to concession the National Arts Theatre, Lagos.

    The concessionaire and the terms of concession remained a top secret last night with sources saying only a few government officials have the details of the deal.

    One source said it was doubtful if the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) was carried along on the issue.

    Following a row over plans by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation to turn the complex into a hotel, the House of Representatives had on April 8, directed the minister, Mr. Edem Duke, to stay further action on the concession. It also halted the planned ejection of three agencies from the Theatre Complex.

    In a letter signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Chief Ben Nwankwo, the Reps said they ought to be briefed on the inherent public interest in the planned development of the Arts Theatre.

    Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Sen. Ahmed Barata faulted the minister by claiming that “interestingly, you have deliberately kept the Committee and National Assembly incommunicado on the action so far in order to deny her its legislative role.”

    Although the two chambers of the National Assembly are still looking at issues involved in the concession plans, a letter from a Federal Government Committee has confirmed the action taken by the government.

    The confirmation of the concession of the Arts Theatre was contained in a letter by the Federal Government Implementation Committee of the White Paper on the Commission of Inquiry into the Alienation of Federal Government Landed Properties.

    In the letter, the Secretary of the Presidential Implementation Committee, Mr. Kola Adeyemi, said government had decided to “relocate some agencies of the Federal Government that are currently located within and around the National Theatre based on the concessioning of the monument and that some of the agencies are to be moved to some offices at the Federal Ministry of Information Building, 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos which is in the custody of your office.

    “In view of this, you are to, please cooperate with officers who have been given the responsibility to handle the relocation so that this important national assignment can be concluded on time,” he said.

    A government source, however, said: “Following media revelation about the secret concession plan, the National Council on Privatisation summoned the minister on why the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) was not carried along in the exercise.

    “The NCP took the step because as far back as 2006, BPE had short-listed two firms for the lease of the National Arts Theatre. The companies are Infrastructica and Jadeas Trust.

    “Infrastructica actually won the lease bid to pay the Federal Government N35billion for 35 years. But it could not raise the required funds. The offer was then set aside for Jadeas Trust.

    “Instead of allowing Jadeas Trust to take over, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation attempted to turn the complex into a hotel until it boomeranged.

    “We don’t know whether they have conceded the National Theatre to Jadeas Trust or not. We don’t know if they are still going ahead with their secret plot which NCP aborted. It is strange to hear that a concession has taken place.

    “The National Assembly should assist Nigerians to know the truth on this concession they are talking about.”

    The theatre was inaugurated on September 30, 1976 by the then Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

    It was opened five months before the hosting of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) in January/February 1977.

     

  • Bells inaugurates 500-seater lecture theatre

    Bells inaugurates 500-seater lecture theatre

    A 500-seater lecture theatre has been donated to the Bells University of Technology, Ota by a friend of the institution.

    The theatre, donated by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof Emmanuel Edozien, was inaugurated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the university’s founder.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi, in his welcome address, thanked the donor, for his repeated acts of philanthropy and for being instrumental for other donations including an ambulance, air-conditioners for the Multi-Purpose Hall, and health centre structures and provision of air-conditioners for the Centre.

    The President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Professor EmeritusOladipo Akinkugbe and the Chancellor, Prof Akin Mabogunje praised the donor.

    In his address, Chief Obasanjo said Edozien has done nobler than most noble men. He also said that he, the donor, possesses such humanitarian character that is rarely found among Nigerians. He further stated that this act of giving has challenged all, including himself, to look into areas of need in the university and continue to endow more infrastructures.