Nigerian Media has been urged to showcase programmes that will help to promote national unity.
The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of National Theatre, Prof. Sunday Ododo made the call during the second National Theatre Festival of Unity in Lagos.
Prof. Ododo who stated that the country has witnessed some sudden occurrences that triggered social disunity including Covid-19 and endsars protests wants the media as agenda-setter to lay more emphasis on salient programmes that will facilitate unity so that people will start to enjoy peace in the country.
”We have a barrage of nature and social distrust affecting the society. Covid attacks and end sars protests which came at the same period contributed to the social distrust. The second national theatre festival of unity came as a way to bring people together to enable them to imbibe the spirit of oneness. Media as agenda-setter should consolidate the efforts by doing programmes that will make the people more united,” he added
In his message to youths in this yuletide period, the national theatre boss urged the youths to believe in themselves and harness their creative ingenuity.
”The core purpose of festivity is to hunt for creative talents so that they can be marketed to entertainment industries to enable them to earn a living for themselves and family. The youths should not forget that our strength is in our diversity. Continue to be hardworking and engage meaningfully with the government and go on with honesty and absolute trust,” he said
Reacting to the theme of the festival ‘Enduring Optimism’ the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed in his address urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as they continue to forge ahead with perseverance and optimism.
”COVID has impacted greatly on the global economy and our country Nigeria is not left out. Indeed, keeping hope alive, perseverance and optimism are the necessary ingredients we all need to regain our world back. This administration will not leave any stone unturned in providing an enabling environment for creative entrepreneurs to thrive, blossom and attain full potentials,” he added.
The Director Human Resources Management National Troupe of Nigeria, Bisi Ayodele who called on Nigerians to come together and unite the country assured them that “with patience, things will still be alright again”.
Live theatre performances including music, comedy, dance and film show were the highlights of the event.
Nnenna.O
