Play to honour Tinubu’s mother staged in Aso Rock

“Abibatu Mogaji: Mother, Legacy & Resilience,” a play written and directed by Prof. Ahmed Yerima, was on Tuesday staged at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

It is written in honour of the mother of President Bola Tinubu who watched the command performance with a promise to invest in the arts and culture sector of the country.

The President described the sector as essential for the education of children and the benefit of humanity.

He said the entertainment industry deserves more attention and recognition as it rekindles history and equips the younger generation with the knowledge of past events.

According to him, more investment is needed to bridge the past and the present and create a pathway for the future.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, recalled that 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.

In his remarks, the President said he inherited his resilience, determination, and discipline from his mother, who was “tough and determined.”

“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,’’ the President said.

The President thanked the Executive Producer of the play, Mr. Ola Awakan and the Director, Dr. Ahmed Yerima for scripting and directing a play to immortalize his mother.

President 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 to give up,’’ the President stated.

The President said his son, Seyi, and other family members will benefit from the production, noting that theatre conveys lessons from history through re-enactment.

In his vote of thanks, the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu thanked the managers and crew for putting up a brilliant performance to immortalize the late Iya-loja of Lagos.

In his remarks, Awakan thanked the President for the opportunity and support to stage the play at the Presidential Villa.

Also on hand to watch the play were Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, and other dignitaries.

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