Lagos has again proved to be home for all, especially entertainers. For four eventful days last week, with the support of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu government, the city hosted theatre and film practitioners from different parts of the country. They came under the banner of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), led by seasoned actor and filmmaker, Bolaji Amusan (well known as Mr. Latin). Trust the ever ebullient thespians: On the accommodating aquatic carpet the city practically spread for them, they staged plays, Peace Walk, and Gala Night and other carnival-like treats that culminated in a national General Meeting where they discussed business.
In his goodwill message to the artists, Sanwo-Olu saluted them for their dedication to the cultural and artistic development of the country. The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, assured the thespians of Lagos’ continued readiness to support the industry, which is strategically covered in the T.H.E.M.E.S + agenda of the government.
The Sanwo-Olu administration has steadily been investing in the creative sector, which the governor has consistently described as the new big deal for the economy. Its impact includes funding support for various programmes, outright grants and loans, like the one given to some film makers about three years ago. While the government also supports the hosting of mega events in the state, and outrightly powered the Afropolis Festival and and the Lagos Shopping Festival late last year, it has also ensured infrastructural expansion that ushered on stream an iconic monument like the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. It was on the strength of the inspiring record that the Centre of Excellence gave TAMPAN a homely space for the annual spectacle.
While the conference started at the Blue Roof hall inside the Lagos Television Complex, in Ikeja, it hit the climax at the University of Lagos, where the inter-state TAMPAN drama competition was held, alongside the Annual General Meeting. The state chapters, which had been rehearsing months before the fiasco, slugged it out in movements, dances, songs, suspense, wit and more, as each tried to carry the day. Of course, there was also money to be won: First prize, N1.5 million, second, N1 million, and third, N750,000. Oyo, the Pacesetter State, emerged the overall winner, with Ogun and Ekiti TAMPAN chapters coming second and third.
Meanwhile, TAMPAN national has sought to reinvent the drama competition by naming it after veteran Dele Odule. This was announced by Amusan, during the closing ceremony, and it was a decision that all the members roundly applauded. According to him, Odule has contributed immensely to the growth of the association, just as he has generally been a blessing to the industry and the practitioners.
In his acceptance speech, an elated Odule expressed surprise at the honour. He thanked association leaders for the decision and expressed appreciation to his other colleagues for their acceptance of him. As a mark of appreciation, he announced a donation of N1 million to boost the cash prize of the competition. While he noted that the donation would start next year, he assured TAMPAN that it would not only be in perpetuity, but that he would also instruct his children to continue giving the money after he would have become ripe in age and joined his ancestors.
