By Peter Usman
Abuja (Nigeria) – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja, Nigeria, Muhammad Musa Bello, has described theatre as a dynamic vehicle for promotion of peace and harmony in communities
The Minister stated this while receiving the Artistic Director of the National Theatre and the National Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukoh, who paid him a courtesy call.
The Minister, who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Chinyeaka Ohaa, stressed “without peace there will be no meaningful development both in the Territory and in Nigeria as whole.
According to the Minister, “we must all seek dialogue and resist the temptation to perpetuate polarising agendas. This is the only way we will refocus our energies on development.”
The FCT Minister described the “Green Grass” initiative of the National Troupe of Nigeria, as a viable instrument of peace in the communities where they have been introduced while saying the FCT Administration would be very delighted to work with the National Theatre to seek ways together to promote peace and good neighbourliness in the FCT in particular and the country in general.
Earlier ,the Artistic Director of National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukoh had unfolded a series of programmes which he stated were designed to reclaim the cultural space and salvage our music from unwholesome foreign musicals.
Tar Ukoh also stated that the approach of the agency is to mix cultural diplomacy with economic diplomacy.
This would be by integrating Nigeria’s drive for foreign direct investment with cultural events.
The National Troupe, he indicated, is being decentralised to show presence in the various geopolitical zones of the country. This he stressed , was with a view to reflecting our diversity and promote inclusiveness adding that through this, people would own their culture.
He said, “For instance, the unique fluting of the Kabulu dancer in Abuja could be used to represent Nigeria in foreign events where fluting is being showcased. We also plan to host an FCT indigenes carnival where we would give the local people the opportunity to showcase their culture and festivals to the outside world.”
The Director urged the FCT Administration to apply Green Grass Sharing Formula that was experimented in some communities in the country with great success.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/05/21/entertainment/entertainment-shows-more-accepted-in-ibadan-than-in-lagos-agboola-idris/