Int’l Human Fraternity Day: Broadcaster takes play to universities to sensitise student on tolerance
An award-winning Broadcast Journalist and Dramatist, Ola Awakan, says he is set to take his play “The Madness That Cures My Land” on a tour of Nigerian Universities to create awareness on the need for peace, tolerance and cohesion in human society.
Awakan in a statement on Sunday in Lagos said that the tour was to create awareness on the essence of the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity.
The International Day of Human Fraternity celebrated annually on Feb. 4 has its 2024 global theme entitled “human fraternity for peace and cooperation”.
Awakan’s “The Madness That Cures My Land” play is directed by a prolific theatre manager, Ifeanyi Eziukwu.
The dramatist said that he would be using Artswax Communications to collaborate with Just Theatre House to create the awareness on the need for cohesion and harmony in human society.
“Every 4th day of February has been set aside by the United Nations for the commemoration of the International Day of Human Fraternity.
“Its essence according to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres is to reaffirm commitment to bridge divides, fostering religious understanding and cooperation among people of all cultures and beliefs,” he said.
Awakan quoting Guterres said, “Together, let us forge a path towards a more peaceful, just and harmonious world for all’.
Speaking on the play, Awakan said that “The Madness That Cures My Land”, which premiered in Lagos and Abuja in December 2023, is a satire that exposes some social misdemeanours in society from the basis of human interaction and tolerance.
“The play touches on the relationship between the family and the larger society.
“It also examines the impact and friction of the connections among families and how such relationships can balloon into either a bigger crisis or a factor for development.
“Hence, it preaches a better human fraternity for society uplift by advocating religious tolerance, communal love, peace, and understanding for the greater good of humanity. It frowns at man’s inhumanity to man.”
According to him, the universities that have shown interest in hosting the play on their various campuses within the month of February include the Lagos State University (LASU) on Feb. 12.
He said that other universities that have shown interest are the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, and the University of Ibadan (UI).
The dramatist said that other tertiary institutions were also open to the window of February for collaboration.
According to him, among the other activities set aside for the tour is that some facilitators, who are educationists, politicians, culture ambassadors, and religious leaders will be joining the playwright in the crusade.
He said these notable people would underline to the students and schools’ management the need to join the crusade to raise awareness about different cultures and religions, or beliefs, and the promotion of tolerance.
Awakan said that tolerance involved societal acceptance and respect for religious and cultural diversity, including about religious expression.
“The objective of this tour is in line with the United Nation’s recommendation that “Education, in particular at school, should contribute in a meaningful way to promoting tolerance and the elimination of discrimination based on religion or belief,” he said.
