A lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Effiong Johnson, has challenged the National Theatre, the National Troupe and other related parastatals to position themselves in a way that can engender national development.
Johnson stated this in Lagos on Friday when he delivered the convocation lecture of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation.
At the event held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, many leading culture scholars and promoters gathered to celebrate with NICO and the graduands, while also reflecting on the state of the industry.
Among them were the Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma; the Artistic Director of the National Troupe, Mr. Martin Adaji; the Director-General, Centre for Management Development, Dr. Kabir Usman; and veteran scholar and writer, Prof. Olu Obafemi.
Demonstrating erudition and theatrics that were well applauded, Johnson urged the Federal Government to invest wisely in tourism development. He also stressed the need for the agencies to be proactive and see themselves less as mouthpieces of powers of those in authority.
While berating the Federal Government for initially contemplating selling the National Theatre, Johnson said the institution as well as the National Troupe should be symbols of the people’s consciousness.
“If we can wake up and make a move to sell the the National Theatre, then the same fate awaits the National Museum. Then, Nigeria itself should be ready for the highest bidder. The National Theatre should not just seen as promoting government activities alone. That is mis-positioning. The National Theatre/National Troupe should be going around different parts of the country and outside to showcase the ideals of the nation. It should conduct investigation and organise events to promote cultural ideals that unite us. It should, once a while, gather experts to brainstorm on solutions to national challenges. That is what the British and American theatres do,” he said.
To develop children’s interest in indigenous languages, Johnson advised the government to re-engineer the curriculum. Besides, he urged parents to show good examples by speaking the languages to them.
He added, “There should be deliberate injection of cultural elements into our educational system. Many pupils have English as their first language. This is not ideal because it is not the black skin that gives you identity. It is the language you speak. A man without an identity is going into extinction even when he is still alive.”
Kabir commended NICO for its efforts to revitalise the country’s culture and tradition. According to him, repositioning Nigeria’s cultural industry will serve as a catalyst to rapid development.
Endorsing much of Johnson’s argument, Obafemi recalled that the supposed policy on culture was revised in 2001, but was still lying between the minster’s desk and the National Assembly.
“Let us find a way of getting the policy out first,” he said.
Ayakoroma recalled that the first edition of the lecture held in Abuja in 2010. According to him, it is organised in consonance with NICO’s objectives of carrying out enlightenment campaigns on the various facets of Nigeria’s culture to effectively mobilise Nigerians towards a culture-oriented lifestyle.
In a message from the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, he commended NICO for its efforts.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com