LAGOS TOURISM MINISTRY FETES EID-UL-FITR, ‘JAGABANISM: THE INSTITUTION THAT WORKS’ RECEIVES MASSIVE OVATION
By ‘Yomi Oyelami, Trek Africa Newspaper
Commissioner for Ministry, Lagos State, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (m) with the Gifted Steppers
It was a grand display of artistic and cultural brilliance as the Gifted Steppers Kids performed the ‘Jagabanism: The Institution that works’ arts masterpiece to a live audience gathered at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, Lagos. Written by ace thespian and journalist, Ola Awakan and directed by Ihuoma Harrison, the leader of the Gifted Steppers, ‘Jagabanism: The Institution that works’ is a dance drama which relived the personality, family, leadership style, and political dexterity of former Lagos State Governor and APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his 8-year tenure. More importantly, the dance drama heavily infused the cultural elements from the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos and Africa at large.
The Lagos State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism were well-represented at the Eid-Ul-Fitr Theatre Explosion which also featured Matilda Azum’s ‘A Flag to Follow’ drama and other artists who did music and comedy. The Commissioner of the ministry, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf reiterated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu’s support for creative industry, ‘the State Government’s support for creative minds in Lagos through the execution of the THEMES agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu is in place’, she noted.
Mrs. Akinbile-Yusuf confessed that she was thrilled by the performance of the Gifted Steppers Kids while also applauding the efforts of the playwright, Ola Awakan and the director, Ihuoma Harrison for putting together the piece. The Commissioner, then, gave a token to the boy who played the role of Jagaban of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the play as the best actor.
Also present at the arts fiesta were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi and President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, David Oriyomi among other dignitaries.
It will be recalled that Ola Awakan’s TVC feature story on the Ikorodu-based arts group shot it into prominence. The Gifted Steppers have never looked back since. ‘Jagabanism: The Institution that works’ will further reveals the ingenuity of this children group wherever it is performed all over the world.
Commissioner for Ministry, Lagos State, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (4th left); Playwright, Ola Awakan (right) the Gifted Steppers (m) and others at the event
