Tinubu honours late mother, Says administration'll invest more in acts, education of younger generation

Elizabeth Oluchi

President Bola Tinubu has said that the entertainment industry deserves more attention and recognition as it rekindles history and equips the younger generation with the knowledge of past events.

The President, who spoke at a stage production held in honour of his late mother, Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji,  said the government will invest more in culture and arts to bridge the past and the present and create a pathway for the future.

This was made known in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, and shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

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.

According to the statement, Tinubu noted that he inherited his resilience, determination, and discipline from his mother, who was “tough and determined.

Tinubu was quoted in the statement as saying, “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 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.

He said, “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 stated that his son, Seyi, and other family members will benefit from the production, noting that theatre conveys lessons from history through re-enactment.