The
captivating true-life account of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on his
encounter with one of the most dreaded criminals in Northern Nigeria
during his incarceration comes to life on stage.
The
stage play, which is based on the book ‘The Story of Baba Ali’ written
by the ex-Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, will show for the first
time ever to the Nigerian audience. It aims to recapture and draw out
vital lessons from Obasanjo’s experience while in incarceration.
According to the organizers, the premiere of Gula! Will hold on September 30th, 2017 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, while the stage play will show twice daily starting from October 1st to the 7th and 8th at the same venue.
The
press conference organized on Wednesday, 13th September 2017 to
announce Gula! On Stage was attended by former President Obasanjo; the
Executive Producer of Gula! On Stage, Mr. Tunde Oduwole; veteran
actor/comedian, Tunji Sotimirin (who plays the character Obasanjo in
Gula!); Nollywood star Paul Adams among other guests from the cinema and
film industry. Speaking at the event, the former President noted that
Gula! on Stage is embedded with important lessons for families,
government institutions and policy makers.
While
in prison in Yola, Obasanjo had selected a few inmates to interview in
order to understand their incursion to a life in jail. He made efforts
to influence and if possible, reverse their accelerated downward spiral
to self-destruction.
Obasanjo
recalled his encounter with one of the inmates, ‘Baba Ali’, a leader of
a ruthless criminal gang in Northern Nigeria and part of Cameroun who
was imprisoned together with him. Baba Ali was the son of a missionary,
but he became a cruel armed robber who dined with the devil and had both
the police and judiciary in his pocket. However, through encouragement
and preaching, Obasanjo successfully change Baba Ali to a reformed
person.
“There
are so many lessons to draw from Gula! For me what lessons can we learn
individually, collectively and as a country?It does not matter how bad a
man may be, you can change or improve him. There is an opportunity of a
second chance for such person”, Obasanjo said, he therefore encouraged
everyone to see the play.
The
Executive Producer, Mr. Oduwole described Gula! As a story of courage,
hope, taking responsibility and of second chances. He said “While in
incarceration, Obasanjo’s life was hanging in the balance but rather
than allow fear, depression, self-pity, or loneliness to engulf him,
Obasanjo in a rare display of humanity, took a personal responsibility
to understand why the prison was full of young people."
Oduwole
also thanked Obasanjo, the author of “The Story of Baba Ali” for taking
the difficult challenge of documenting this unique experience for
generations to come and for giving him the right to produce this play.
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