At stage performance: Tinubu honours late mother, says govt will invest more in arts

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Tinubu has said the entertainment industry deserved more attention and recognition as it rekindled history and equipped the younger generation with the knowledge of past events.
Speaking at a stage production held in honour of his late mother, Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, Tinubu said the government would invest more in culture and arts to bridge the past and the present and create a pathway for the future.
The play titled, ‘Abibatu Mogaji: An Opera’, was staged at the Conference Centre of the State House, on Tuesday, with the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, and other dignitaries in attendance.
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, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement on Tuesday.
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 was quoted to have said.
He 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, the statement noted.
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.
Tinubu said his son, Seyi, and other family members would benefit from the production, noting that theatre conveyed 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.