Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment and support to the arts and creative sector for the industry to thrive.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed this commitment on Sunday after watching a stage play, ‘Kurunmi’ written by renowned playwright, Prof. Ola Rotimi, at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos, saying that his administration’s commitment to the sector was reflected in the state government’s investments in various initiatives, including training, manpower development, and the promotion of arts, among others.
Kurunmi explores the themes of supremacy of tradition, social change, responsible leadership, control, and accountability.
The stage play, which paraded a large cast of 75 young and veteran actors and crew members, was staged at Terra Kulture Arena on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29. It was put together by Stagecraft Studios and Film Productions.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, and other close aides to watch the play produced by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, and directed by a renowned movie producer and actor, Mr. Oladapo Muyideen, AKA Lala.
The stage play was also watched by top executives of First Bank, one of the major sponsors, as well as veteran Nollywood actors and actresses, including Yemi Solade, Mercy Aigbe Adeoti, and her husband, Kazeem Adeoti, among others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while speaking about the command performance of the stage play, said Kurunmi was a powerful exploration of themes such as the supremacy of tradition, social change, responsible leadership, control, and accountability, adding that the play set in the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo, Ijaiye, and Ibadan depicted Kurunmi, a military leader and war general, as he navigated internal strife and external threats from imperial powers.
“The play is produced by my media aide, Gboyega Akosile, and directed by Mr. Oladapo Muyideen.
“I firmly believe that our support for the arts and creative sector is crucial for fostering an environment where this industry can thrive. Our commitment is reflected in our investments in various initiatives, including training, manpower development, and arts promotion, among others,” the governor said.
Mercy Aigbe Adeoti, in her remark, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for always supporting the art, saying that watching the play gave her a nostalgic feeling as it took her back to her theatre arts days at the university.
“Watching the play KURUMI tonight gave me a nostalgic feeling! It took me back to my theatre arts days at the university. I really do miss the stage!
“Well done to the amazing cast and crew; it was a great watch! Special shout out to the Executive Producer, Gboyega Akosile, and the Artistic Director, Lala,” she said.
The staging of the play at the weekend was supported by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in its bid to promote the historical heritage and prevent the African culture and traditions from going into extinction, as well as expose and awaken the consciousness of youths to the role of good leadership anywhere they find themselves.
FirstBank, as part of its First@arts initiative to promote the arts, preserve cultural heritage, and provide a platform for creative expression, also supported it.
Other sponsors include Nigerian Breweries Plc, with its Goldberg beer—an attestation of the brand’s connection to the culture and tradition of its consumers.
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