To forestall a recurrence where Nigerians trooped out enmasse to welcome and watch the very seminal play – Ogiame Erejuwa II with the very popular and influential Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Duke of Shomolu has concluded plans to host HRM, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe at the historical Glover Hall in Lagos this Easter.
Last December, Ogiame Atuwatse III’s immense popularity overwhelmed all arrangements at the hosting of the play, with thousands of Nigerians trooping out to witness the historic event.
The facilities were completely overwhelmed with thousands turning back and not being able to see the Play, which depicted Ogiame’s grandfather Ogiame Erejuwa II.
To forestall a recurrence, the Duke of Shomolu has put in place a unique structure which will see a co-location of the play between the enigmatic Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre and the historic Glover Hall which was built in the 1920s and recently refurbished by the Lagos State Government.
HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe in an official correspondence to The Duke has confirmed his attendance of the command performance and in the same letter endorsed the play which will take Nigerians through the life and times of the great Zik of Africa.
In this regard, the play will be viewed by the general public on the 9th and 10th of April, 2023 at the Agip Recital Hall of The Muson Centre and from there move to the Glover Memorial Hall for the Command Performance which would host the Obi of Onitsha, his chiefs, members of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s family including his son Ambassador Emeka Azikiwe, corporate sponsors and prominent Nigerians.
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Attendance of the command performance is strictly by invitation.
The Duke of Shomolu Productions has emerged one of Nigeria’s most prolific theatre production outfits, churning out some of the most exciting productions while showcasing to a new audience the lives of historical Nigerian figures.
Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe is the latest in a long line of subjects, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Emir Sanusi to mention a few.
It is noteworthy to note that Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, while a prominent member of the political and social class in Lagos, attended various functions at the Glover Hall, where he will be celebrated and further immortalized.
Zik is written and directed by the very brilliant Dr. Ikechukwu Erojikwe and produced on behalf of The Duke of Shomolu Foundation by Mofoluwake Edgar, Emeka Agwu- Oju, and Olisa Adibua
It would play both the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Center and the Glover Hall this Easter.
Dates are 9th and 10th April 2023.
*Joseph Edgar*
*Duke of Shomolu*
