Mrs Yewande Amusan, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism (left); Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa; and Mrs Bolanle Austen Peters, CEO of Terra Kulture during the press conference.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Mrs. Yewande Amusan, has described Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka as an example and a shining light of what a true patriot is. This is just as producers of the five-year running Open Door Series Project WS unveiled programmes geared towards celebrating the 80th birthday of the literalist.
Amusan who made the statement in Abeokuta, last Wednesday, during a World Press Conference by the Ogun State government and the producers of the 2014 Open Door Series Project WS to commemorate the 80th birthday of the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, said the writer has remained ’an untiring fighter for social justice and democracy.’
“Of a truth, we are gathered not because he is Kongi, but because he continues to be an example and a shining light of what a true patriot is. People’s perception of him varies. To academics and literary scholars, he is a playwright, poet and novelist; to his family, a dedicated family man. But to us, he has been an untiring fighter for social justice and democracy. Little wonder the name of Kongi would be at the top when heroes of the present democratic dispensation are mentioned due to his relentless struggles and continuous advocacy for the good of the common man,” Amusan stressed.
“We are not marking this day merely because it is the birthday of an illustrious son of Ogun State, Nigeria and Africa, rather we have resolved to partner with these companies because, for us all, it symbolizes a continuation of the life of an inspirational man who has fought and is still fighting for the dignity of man, the rights of individuals, unity and security of his country,” she continued.
The Open Door Series Project WS is an International Cultural Exchange Programme designed for the purpose of using the platforms of literature, arts and culture to affirm and uphold the dignity of man. Focusing on the youths as the future of humanity, the ICE seeks to foster unity among mankind regardless of nationality, ethnicity and religion.
The project is a partnership between the ZMirage Multimedia Company and GlobalNewHaven led by Prof. Segun Ojewuyi of the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States, who is co-Executive Producer of the WS/ICE project.
WS/ICE project premiered July 13, occasion for the 2010 on the 76th birthday of Professor Wole Soyinka and had 76 star actors of stage and screen walk the red carpet at MUSON centre in his honour.
According to producer of the WS/ICE project, Lillian Amah-Aluko, the 2013 was the start of the countdown to the 80th year mark – the highlight of which was the grandiose dream to stage 80 performances featuring Poetry/Spoken Word artistes from all over Nigeria, parts of Africa, United States and the United Kingdom, for Soyinka’s 80th birthday.
“The youth hold the key to change and prosperity in Nigeria and the world. It is our duty to engage them and ensure their mindset and priorities are in the direction of progress for the motherland and humanity,” she said.
On his part, Mr Jahman Anikulapo, Project Consultant and Advisor for Open Door Series Project WS, said: “It has been exciting not just because of the weight and nature of the persona at the centre of this yearly ritual but because of what the project symbolizes for the perennial struggle of the Artiste and the Creative types to get his/her voice heard, and earn deserved recognition in a society that is truly philistine.
“WS for many of us is the Quintessential Artiste, whose career trajectory and contribution to public intellection in our complex society, has remained a source of inspiration and contentment on the potential role of the Artiste and thinker (philosopher-Artiste) in the Society.”
The 80-day Countdown programme line up for the WS @ 80 celebrations which started from Abeokuta from April 25 ends in the city on July 14. The train moves to Osogbo from July 13-14; Port Harcourt from June 27 to 29; Lagos from July 1– 7 at the Freedom Park; Lagos – July 9 at the Terra Kulture (Exhibition and Spoken Word); Ibadan from July 15 to August 15; Jos on July 19; Igbale Aiye, Republic of Benin from August 17 to September 17.
Drama presentations include: Alapata of Apata directed by Tunde Awosanmi oand showing n July 9 at the Akin Olugbade Centre, Abeokuta; Death & the King’s Horseman on July 10 at the University of Lagos; Lanke Omu by Tunde Kelani/Tunde Awosanmi from July 11 to June 12 at the Cultural Centre, Abeokuta; Oba Koso by Duro Ladipo Company from July 12 to June 12 at the Cultural Centre; Spoken Word from July 13 to June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta; Dance of the Forest directed by Tunde Awosanmi and showing July 14 in Ijegba; and lastly Mad men and Specialists directed by Patrick Jude Oteh at the Jos Repertory Theatre on July 19.
July 10 activities lines up 25 delegates keynote speakers, 80 student essayist from around the country for 80 Spoken Word performers. Theme: The Soyinka Impulse and Education – Path to Freedom and the Future and featuring Mutabaruka from Jamaica, Javon Johnson from USA, Efe Paul Azino and Jumoke Verissiomo from Nigeria and many more.
July 11 to 12 will feature the beginning of a conference with the topic: The Soyinka Impulse (Art, Humanity, transition and permanence: calibrating Soyinka at 80) with 2000 participants and an opening performance of the play; Death and the King’s Horseman, as directed by Femi Osofisan and assisted by Bisi Adigun. There will also be a Mentoring session and workshop for students, as well as sightseeing and travel for students.
July 13: Essay writing (Morning): Topic: Education: Path to Freedom and the Future; the‘Do Your Own Thing’ (Afternoon); Conference ends with 80 Spoken word performances. Theme: The Soyinka Impulse and Education – Path to Freedom and the Future
On July 14: Visit to Ogun Governor and announcement of results; Visit to Soyinka at Ijegba; Dialogue through spoken words– (Evening); 80 Essayists and Guests join 80 performers for Spoken Word; 80 Essayists and invited guest witness presentation Dance of the Forest at Ijegba; Closing ceremony; and further cultural exchange among delegates.
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