ROAD TO THE TREASURE TROVE, GO LOM - Ahmed Funsho Hadnan
"Keep a little fire burning; however small, however hidden". Cormac McCarthy, The Road
In the world all over, entertainment and tourism have been identified as treasure trove for social and economic development. Several developing and developed countries are walking down the road with purpose and commitment. Virtually everyone is in a rat race to tap into the projected entertainment boom between now and 2022 according to Price Water Coopers' 2018 report.
However encouraging that seem, it may be unrealisable for Nigerian government at all levels if well meaning Nigerians, private groups and organizations do not join the cause in time. Leaving the government alone to shoulder the responsibilities without commensurate help from all and sundry is not healthy.
This is where Comarc McCarthy's quote comes in. The passion to develop entertainment must be undying in all. Likened to fire, it should keep burning in our insides. But it appears only a few understands the imperativeness like the inimitable Chief Executive Officer of Sobi FM, Mallam Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha in Kwara State.
I recall late last year when we attended Kwara Idol Live In Concert grand finale in Kwara Hotels, Ilorin, that Mallam Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha was described by the Adebisi-led KILIC team as the pillar of their success. Now that may sound patronising, but event this year has lend credence to that assertion. His unabating support to the young lads rising profile on the slippery terrain of entertainment is germane to their development. And that is most noble and commendable.
Supporting young and industrious young people in entertainment is a laudable cause the well-to-do must prioritise as a matter of urgency. Mallam Lukman hadn't only offered financial support but also influenced publicity for the up-and-coming artistes through his radio station. In the same vein there are programs designed to showcase raw musical talents on Sobi FM. This is in addition to another called Orin Agba for the elderly. It is by no means an exaggeration to declare him an advocate of change in entertainment fortunes in Kwara state.
Now some people may wonder why Mallam Lukman is particularly deserving of praise. It is not far fetched. For making an effort, however small; however hidden-- to paraphrase McCarthy, in promoting modern entertainment culture-- in Kwara state, he deserves a pat on the back. We may all look around to see who is with him on this path. There is no list. Mallam Lukman stands outstandingly as a lone passionate walker amidst thousands of empty talkers. If there were a roll call of honour, he would answer with dignity and pride.
He has identified and continually support KILIC. You would understand the import when you look at the numbers of participants in this annual musical festival. These young lads given the opportunity to live their dreams on KILIC platform would cherish it. They get to envision reality of their career taking flight to stardom. It will them hope and belief in their talent. And there is no doubt of it, that is a harbinger to stardom. That is the push we talk about.
Really Kwara is no fortress for entertainment but we cannot continue so. There is no pride in accepting that we look on unconcernedly while talents get rusty and wasted here. This is why we need to do more supporting them by all means. Like LOM uses his resources and influence to move things, other capable individuals should join him on this path of history. With measure of support for these young ones, there is no limit to the ambassadors we can produce.
I am delighted to encourage Mallam Lukman Mustapha to remain unrelenting. If Kwara is serious about economy diversification viz-a-viz culture and tourism, the earlier they started showing commitment the better. Taking the road is like journeying to discover the treasure trove, go on, vintage LOM. Go, history records.
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