Theatre practitioners urge FG to expedite action on history in schools

Some Lagos-based theatre practitioners have urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the re-introduction of history into the school curriculum.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, had called for the re-introduction of history studies in schools in 2016, saying that the move will give the Nigerian Children a self-identity of who they really are.

The theatre enthusiasts made the observation at the 2017 World Theatre Day celebration on Monday in Lagos.

The theme of the celebration is: “Theatre artistes for proudly Nigeria’’.

Mr Israel Eboh, President, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) was part of the theatre enthusiasts clamouring for the introduction of history in the curriculum.

“Any nation that wishes to create a better tomorrow must teach its history of yesterday.

“Thespians are story tellers. Our stories preserve both our culture and history.

“For our culture to be appreciated, we must promote our culture and history through their teaching,” he said.

The NANTAP chief said the Nigerian entertainment industry, with theatre as a major player, had become an industry with a wide appeal across the globe.

“In the last few years, the Nigerian theatre through mostly individual efforts of artistes, has experienced a rise in profile, in both economic and entrepreneurial terms,” he said.

Eboh said that theatre could be used as a veritable tool to alleviate the effect of the recession currently in the country, if adequate investment were made in the industry.

“If we must overcome recession, we must recognise the place of theatre and the entire entertainment industry, as an alternative revenue-generating source.

“Theatre will not only boost the economy but create jobs for the many youths roaming the streets.

“Today, the largest numbers of young millionaires worldwide are entertainers,” he said.

Eboh commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State’s support, in investing massively in infrastructure development, by building theatres across the state.

The NANTAP official said this development would go a long way to open up the potential of the sector, urging other state governments to emulate the Lagos State Government.

Also, Mr Makinde Adeniran, Chairman, NANTAP, Lagos chapter, said the World Theatre Day was a day to unite thespians across the globe, for the purpose of peace.

Adeniran said that history played a better role in advancing one’s course in life .

He said the importance of history to the preservation of culture cannot be overemphasised.

Adeniran urged the State House of Assembly to enact laws that would aid the welfare of artistes, to enable them to plan for the future.