The talented contingent of Gifted Steppers Dance Group are set to relive the over-20 years of unbroken democracy in Lagos with a focus on All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he turns 69 next Monday 29th March, 2021. This will happen by way of a dance-drama that will educate and entertain the public especially the young generation on the personality of the protagonist, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The dance-drama tagged ‘Jagabanism: The Institution that works’ is a play written by ace thespian and journalist, Ola Awakan and directed by Ihuoma Harrison, the leader of the Gifted Steppers. 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. This play is expected to further reveal the ingenuity of this predominantly children group.
Speaking on the personality of the APC national leader, the writer of the play, Ola Awakan revealed: ‘Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is like the story of the elephant with some blind men. When they were asked to touch and describe the elephant, they all gave their perspective of what they could touch. Asiwaju is a man of all colours, but he has excelled more in the politics of building leaders, more than his contemporaries. His strategic tendencies stand him out. His story is so inspirational that the more you look and study him, the more you see.’
On what makes this dance-drama different from his past journalistic work on the same man, he asserted ‘Exploring the medium of dance-drama through kids to tell his story from birth to political stardom is well enunciated in Journalism. The piece also identifies a few of the many he has built and given opportunities to shine politically. The drama is such a comprehensive material with well-structured plot to immortalize Tinubu. This play to celebrate him will remind us of his philosophy, values and contributions to nation building. The play is just unique in its style and delivery.’
‘The fact that children are exhibiting their talent to tell the story of one of the political giants that has ever come out of Nigeria and Africa is enough to spur people to see the play. The way the children demonstrated dexterity in portraying the characters of Tinubu, his wife and all those who have passed through Jagaban is enough to make people see the play. It is just one of the contributions to keep Tinubu in the minds of people, most especially children who should be encouraged to learn good leadership, human interaction and stay away from unfeasible activities’, Mr. Awakan concluded.
On her part, the coordinator of Gifted Steppers and the director of the play, Ihuoma Harrison revealed why her team has relived the story of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. ‘The Gifted steppers is all about reaching out to the less-privileged which is same with what Jagaban has been doing and is still doing. The Gifted Steppers children need to understand the importance of raising leaders and building men.’
She then appealed to Nigerians to see the play as their way of supporting the Gifted Steppers project, ‘We will be grateful if all Nigerians home and abroad get tickets to see the play. The proceeds will be used for the upkeep of the Gifted Steppers children, feeding and most importantly Education’.
‘Jagabanism: The Institution that works’ will be watched virtually from the comfort of the viewers’ homes and offices on Outbox TV starting from 29th March 2021 which is the birthday of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is in order to abide by the COVID-19 health protocols as established by the government. For a token of N1000, the general public is enjoined to watch the edutaining play. A huge percentage of the income is aimed at the education of the children and to also help more underprivileged children in the society.
Add Comment