President Tinubu Honours Late Mother, Promises More Investments in Entertainment Industry
By Stephen Angbulu
President Bola Tinubu has promised to prioritise investments in Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, saying it is crucial for educating the Nigerian child and benefiting the country.
He observed that the entertainment industry deserves more attention and recognition as it rekindles history and equips the younger generation with the knowledge of past events.
“I will invest in the play, nothing could have been better than rewarding a very thorough research,” said Tinubu at the presentation of a stage production held in honour of his late mother, Abibatu Mogaji.
The play titled, ‘Abibatu Mogaji: An Opera,’ was staged at the Conference Centre of the State House, on Tuesday, with the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed details of the play in a statement titled, ‘Abibatu Mogaji The Play: President Tinubu honours late mother, says administration will invest more in arts for the education of the younger generation.’
“President Tinubu’s mother passed away on June 15, 2013, at the age of 96, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service to family, community, the underprivileged, and the nation.
“The President said he inherited his resilience, determination, and discipline from his mother, who was ‘tough and determined,’” the statement read.
Tinubu said, “My first restaurant was the best. My first toilet was the best. My first bedroom was her back. There is no way I could have come this far and become this old without her care.”
He thanked the play’s producer and director, Mr. Ola Awakan and Dr. Ahmed Yerima, respectively, for scripting and directing a play to immortalise his mother.
Tinubu commended the “thoroughly researched” play, which reflected her moments on earth.
“I could see that they know her very well. She was tough. She was a disciplinarian. I can thank God for the gift I got from her. It was an enduring gift of character and determination. Never give up,” the President stated.
