President Bola Tinubu has once again showered praise on Nigeria’s entertainment industry, claiming it deserves more attention and recognition for its role in preserving history and educating the youth about past events.
However, let’s be real: the industry is thriving without much help from the government. What it really needs is robust Intellectual Property (IP) laws to protect creators. But instead of focusing on this, our legislators are busy debating frivolous changes like altering the national anthem. Imagine prioritizing that while our IP laws remain underdeveloped.
During a stage production held in honor of his late mother, Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, President Tinubu declared that the government would invest more in culture and arts. This investment, he claims, will bridge the past and the present and pave the way for the future. The event, titled ‘Abibatu Mogaji: An Opera,’ took place at the State House Conference Centre on Tuesday and was attended by notable figures, including Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
President Tinubu’s mother, who passed away on June 15, 2013, at 96, left a significant legacy of service to her family, community, the underprivileged, and the nation. Tinubu attributes his resilience, determination, and discipline to his mother, describing her as “tough and determined.” He nostalgically recounted, “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 extended his gratitude to the play’s Executive Producer, Mr. Ola Awakan, and Director, Dr. Ahmed Yerima, for their work in immortalizing his mother. He praised the play as “thoroughly researched” and reflective of her life. “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,” Tinubu said.
His son, Seyi Tinubu, also expressed thanks, noting that the production would benefit their family and highlight the educational power of theatre. In his remarks, Awakan thanked the President for the opportunity and support to stage the play at the Presidential Villa.
And there you have it—another grand promise from the President. But with a track record of unfulfilled pledges and a government more interested in symbolic changes than substantial reforms, one can only wonder: is this just another empty promise?
