By Abdul lawal

President Muhammadu Buhari shares in the joy of celebrating the 60th birthday of the General Manager/CEO of National Theatre, Prof. Sunday Enessi Ododo, on 21st October, 2022, congratulating the screenwriter, playwright, poet and renowned thespian on the milestone.

Statement issued by Senior Special Adviser, Media &Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina said the President rejoices with the Professor of Performance Aesthetics and Theatre Technology, his family, friends and professional colleagues on the occasion of his birthday, knowing that he has invested many years in the development of performance arts in the country, with evidences in the entertainment industry, which currently impacts on global screens and stage acts.

Adesina added that Buhari affirms that the works of dramatists and theatre-makers, like Prof. Ododo, have significantly contributed to the understanding and acceptance of Nigeria across the world, creating identities, lifting and giving relevance to folklores and cultures, and pushing barriers on performances that have culminated in recognitions and awards.

According to him, President Buhari believes the scholar’s versatility and flexibility in teaching the theories and practice of theatre and other literary genres continue to inspire new interest in research on Nigerian and African culture, paving way for the younger generation to embrace theatre as participatory communication and platform for benchmarking and networking.

President Buhari applauds Prof. Ododo for his diligence in supervising the structural and operational turnaround of the National Theatre.

The President prays for the well-being of the award-winning director and actor, and that of his family.