Asiwaju Jerry Alagbaoso Ignites Creative Sparks in Nigerian Students
Jerry Adesewo
Saturday, April 27, 2024, marked a significant day for secondary and University of Abuja students gathered at the Mamman J. Vatsa Writer’s Village of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). It was the venue for the April edition of the ANA Abuja monthly Guest Writer Session, headlined by the esteemed legislator, Hon. Asiwaju Jerry Alagbaoso, a playwright and art patron of remarkable stature.
Days before the event, I had reached out to Hon. Alagbaoso, seeking a conversation. To my surprise, he promptly responded, inviting me to join him at the Writer’s Village on Saturday. Upon arrival, I found him engrossed in reading from his latest play, ‘Sipping Coffee with my Oga.’ Intrigued by his performance, I observed as he captivated over 100 secondary school students and 30+ University of Abuja students, discussing his plays, craft, and writing process.
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The ensuing panel session, featuring former ANA President, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, and Ambassador Albert Omotayo, provided students with the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of writing with Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso and the other panelists. The engagement left a lasting impact on the young attendees, with one student expressing, “Watching Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso read and engage with us is the inspiration I needed. A member of the National Assembly and a writer? Honestly, I am impressed.”
Indeed, Hon. Alagbaoso, a diligent member of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives since 2007, has not let his political duties overshadow his passion for playwriting. As veteran actor Francis Duru aptly states, “Honourable Alagbaoso is worth celebrating. He is one person I know who has pursued his passion rigorously, not for the purpose of making money, but simply to make an impact and contribute to national discourse through his plays.”
Agozie Agwu of Mozaic Productions, producer of the acclaimed Netflix film, Blood Vessel, echoes Duru’s sentiments, emphasizing Hon. Alagbaoso’s significant contributions to Nigerian theater. Despite playwriting being a hobby for him, Hon. Alagbaoso remains one of Nigeria’s most prolific playwrights, producing at least two plays annually.
His plays, including “The First Lady,” “Tony Wants to Marry,” and “Signs and Wonders,” have resonated with audiences nationwide, with performances staged in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. Moreover, Hon. Alagbaoso’s quiet support for artistic endeavors underscores his commitment to promoting the arts.
While the evening celebrated the talents of many young students, the true reward lay in the inspiration drawn from Asiwaju Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso. His dedication to both politics and the arts serves as a beacon of encouragement for aspiring writers and creatives across Nigeria.