VIDEO: Dega Ibrahim thrills presidency in stage play ‘Abibatu Mogaji’

Dega Ibrahim thrills presidency in stage play ‘Abibatu Mogaji’

Son of the President, Seyi Tinubu and his father, President Bola Tinubu watching the play

Aso VillaOladega Ibrahim Kehinde, who is the prince of one of the oldest kingdoms in Lagos State, Agboyi, is sure a dynamic and versatile personality who has his hands in a few piles and, no doubt, lives up to expectations in them all.

Dega with other members of the cast at the Villa

As a graduate of Mass Communication from Lagos State Polytechnic, Dega, as the dude is fondly called, to some, is known as a broadcaster, having practiced especially as a broadcaster in different television and radio stations around the South West states at different times in over fiften years. Also, by virtue of his oratory prowess as well as proficiency, both in English and his native tongue, Yoruba, Prince Oladega, with close to two decades in the trade, is recognized as a top Master of Ceremony and event Compere for both informal, corporate, and most especially, high-profile political events. In the same vein, the intelligent dude comes across to many as political. As a matter of fact, Dega, who is known as the face of Agboyi, is a grass-roots politician with a convincing record to show for it. He at different times served in the publicity and media directorate of various election campaigns, among which are those of President Bola Tinubu, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Senator Mukail Tokunbo Abiru, to mention a few. Also, he served as the Special Assistant on Political Matters (South West) to the immediate past speaker of the House of Representatives, who presently is the Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

However, one part of Dega that is largely unknown to many is his involvement with cinematography and acting. His involvement with acting and filmmaking dates back to close to twenty years ago, when he was at the prestigious film school in Jos, Platuea State, where he sharpened his filmmaking abilities.

He recently had to dust off his acting robes when duty called and demanded he participate in a stage play billed to be performed at the highest level, the seat of power, Aso Villa, with dignitaries among whom is Mr. President as a member of the audience. An Opera titled Abibatu Mogaji, a stage play made in honor of the mother of President Bola Tinubu.

Prince Oladega’s participation was hugely significant, as he played the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the production. In addition, he was the cynosure of the show and attracted applause from the audience at intervals due to his ability to mimic how the president speaks perfectly. The echoes of his superlative performance have continued to gain ground.

The play titled ‘Abibatu Mogaji: An Opera,’ was staged at the Conference Center of the State House, with the President, Senator Bola Tinubu; Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and other dignitaries in attendance.

President Tinubu’s mother, Alhaja Mogaji, a woman of subatance who was the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, passed away on June 15, 2013, at the age of 96, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service to family, community, the underprivileged, and the nation.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has promised to prioritise investments in Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, saying it is crucial for educating the Nigerian child and benefiting the country.

He observed that the entertainment industry deserves more attention and recognition as it rekindles history and equips the younger generation with the knowledge of past events.

“I will invest in the play, nothing could have been better than rewarding a very thorough research,” said Tinubu at the presentation of a stage production held in honour of his late mother, Abibatu Mogaji.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed details of the play in a statement titled, ‘Abibatu Mogaji The Play: President Tinubu honours late mother, says administration will invest more in arts for the education of the younger generation.’

“The President said he inherited his resilience, determination, and discipline from his mother, who was ‘tough and determined,’” the statement read.

Tinubu said, “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.”

He thanked the play’s producer and director, Mr. Ola Awakan and Dr. Ahmed Yerima, respectively, for scripting and directing a play to immortalise his mother.

Tinubu commended the “thoroughly researched” play, which reflected her moments on earth.

“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 give up,” the President stated.

Tinubu, who excused himself from the State House Conference Centre midway through the presentation, implored the understanding of guests, saying he had to meet other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States who had been on the waiting list for three days.

He, however, handed the remaining part of the hosting of the evening to his VP and his son, Seyi Tinubu.

Before leaving he told guests, “…my first restaurant was her breast, my first toilet was on her lap, and my first-ever bedroom was on her back. There is no way I could have been this old without that care.

“I thank Ola Awakan, he’s a very great researcher, producer and thoughtful person to have come up with this and I can see some faces of Mama’s children; Tunji Alausa and the rest of the people are here.

“I’m so grateful to all of you in large numbers; I will have enjoyed the audience more with you. I’ll find another opportunity to do that. But I asked for this assignment. Through your exercise and commitment, you gave it to me.”

The President added that “only 48 hours ago, they renewed my mandate as the Chairman of ECOWAS. So, if they now give me an assignment, I don’t have a choice but to do it. Thank you for sharing your evening to celebrate my mother, a great woman. Thank you.”

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

In his vote of thanks, the President’s son, Seyi, thanked the managers and crew for putting up a brilliant performance to immortalize the late Iya-loja of Lagos.

Awakan thanked the President for the opportunity and support to stage the play at the Presidential Villa.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the play, Awakan noted that the character of the president’s late mother embodies these essential qualities, which are crucial for the development of society.

He said the play aims to immortalise Mogaji’s legacy and use her attributes to inspire generations of Nigerians, both present and future.

Additional reports sourced from the Punch