Celebration of new facility for Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG) continues tomorrow with art exhibition by Bolaji Ogunwo at Theatre Complex, ending July 30, 2015.
The weeks long event also continues tomorrow with a drama production of Felix Okolo’s ‘The Walking Stick, directed by Felix Emoruwa at. On Tuesday, the celebration continues with Kongi’s Harvest, to be performed by Crown Troupe of Africa
Coming at the end of the tenure of Dr Peju Layiwola, Ag Head of Department, the opening of the school’s facility celebrates the home coming of several persons who have served in the department and also others who contributed immensely to the old Centre for Cultural Studies from which the Department evolved in 1997.
A statement by Layiwola says the events open at the new complex of the Department of Creative Arts, located near the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lagos. The Grand Ceremony, according to Layiwola holds on Wednesday July 29, 2015 with award and honours to select professionals.
The school has turned out many distinguished alumni in various aspects of music, performing arts and the Visual arts. Some of the old students would be in performance. Notable amongst these alumni are Pat King of the midnight crew fame, Demola Olota, Mocheda, Femi Brainard, Wole Ojo, Kachi Nochiri, Seun Ajayi, Princess Damilola, Helen Paul, Mercy Aigbe, Segun Adefila, Dare Art Alade, Stella Damascus and many more.
Scheduled as part of the events for last week were Distinguished Lecture Traditional Textile/Contemporary Art by Professor Jean Borgatti, Art Historian, Fulbright Scholar, Research Fellow at Boston University and Clark University U.S; Distinguished Lecture What about Art Markets in Lagos (Early XXIth Century), by Dr Emmanuelle Spiesse Fourchard, Research Associate lecturer and, LAM of Bordeaux (Science Politiques); and Introspection: dele jegede @ 70, organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).
Recipients of the awards of excellence who had contributed immensely to the development and growth of the Centre for Cultural Studies which metamorphorsed in the Department of Creative Arts include Professor E.J Alagoa, Professor Laz Ekwueme, Professor Akin Euba, Professor Abayomi Barber, Professor dele jegede, Professor Sherifdeen Adetoro, Professor A.V.E Mereni, Late Professor Bode Osanyin, Professor Ebun Clark and Professor Duro Oni. Some served as one time Director of the Centre and others, as Heads of Department. Demola Olayiwola would be honoured for his meritorious service to both the Centre and the Department.
Engr Yemisi Shyllon, Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries would also be honoured for their immense contributions and assistance to the growth of the Department.
The Press category of awards go to Jahman Anikulapo, Chioma Okpara, Ozolua Uhakheme, Tajudeen Sowole and Tolu Lamidi. These series of events lined up for the celebration comprise lectures, performances and plays to herald our entry into the New Creative Arts complex.
Honourary mention at the award ceremony include Late Afolabi Alaja- Browne, Dr Sheri Ajasin, Mrs Uwa Hunwick, Stella Monye, Olu Adeniregun, Amos Oludotun, Yemi Remi, Olu Amoda, Ras Kimono, Margaret Henshaw Dacosta, Cybil Amuta Kimono, Moji Batefa, Golda John, Seyi Asgbou, Sandra Omon-Madojemu, Bright Chimezie and Femi Robinson.
Others include Steve James, Dupe Ogundero, Late Rasheed Bello, Daniel Koranteng Crenstil, Ajayi Olatide
Kayode Sadiq, Hilary Achonu, Kenneth Okereke, Joe Umeh, Suleiman Hassan, Segun Ojewuyi, Late Richard Bucknor, Mr Christopher Onourah, Debo Alexander, Late Funsho Alabi, Francis Igboke, Ayantuyi Amoo, Sina Odukola, Busari Agbolade and Jane Nwoke.
