VC makes cameo appearance in film, warns against drug abuse

The Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde, has advised students of the University to shun drugs and other anti-social behaviours in order to succeed in their academic sojourn. He stressed the need for students to face their studies and comply with all regulations regarding their studentship in the institution. Prof. Olatunde gave the advice in his remarks at a film show held on Thursday, 27th January, 2022 at the OGD Hall, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye as part of the activities put together for the 30th and 31st Convocation Ceremonies of the University for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic sessions.

 Interestingly, the Vice-Chancellor made a cameo appearance in the film entitled, “Angels on Drugs,” which was a 200-Level practical film project of the Department of Mass Communication of the University. “I want to implore our students, please don’t go on drugs. The best is for you if you don’t do that and your future is  bright. The sky will not only be the limit when you keep to regulations regarding your studentship in this University,” he said in his remarks after the film show.

 According to Prof. Olatunde, everyone needs to draw lessons from the film which focused on the dangers associated with drugs and substance abuse by young people. He declared that although the University has zero tolerance for drug use and cultism, among other social vices, the current Management will continue   to put measures in place to mould the character of students of the institution.

Prof. Olatunde explained that he decided to feature in the film project because of the importance he attached to the campaign against drug abuse among the youths, adding that he was pleased with the whole idea of reorientating students through film-making.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated all those who participated in the film, the crew members and guest artistes, and later announced a donation of the sum of N250,000 to the Department of Mass Communication to support the purchase and free distribution of copies of the film to staff of the University. The film starred actors, including Oreofe Williams, Nollywood veteran Kayode Olaiya ,popularly known as Aderupoko, and Akinola Akano, more known as Segbowe.

In a related development, students of the Department of Performing Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye were in their elements  as  they put up scintillating  performance with a stage play entitled, “Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels,” written by Femi Osofisan.
The play, staged at the Pit Theatre of the Department, was similarly among the activities lined up for the Convocation Ceremonies of the University. It was a socio-political play that reflected inordinate crave for materiality amongst the political leaders in Nigeria over and above everything in order to achieve riches and wealth in life. In his remarks after the play, the Vice-Chancellor, who was obviously thrilled by the dazzling performance of the Performing Arts students, commended them for seeking to correct certain societal ills through theatrical productions. He affirmed that the creativity often exhibited by students of the Department accounted for why Performing Arts is usually oversubscribed by prospective admission seekers.

He said, “The Department of Performing Arts deserves a standing ovation. The students have done wonderfully well, their performance has been so great and we will continue to support this Department.”

Prof. Olatunde, who recalled some of the past interventions made by the University Management to boost the capacity of the Department of Performing Arts, assured that the Pit Theatre will soon be upgraded in addition to the provision of other required facilities.