The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun on Friday commended the Oyo State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) over the planned programme of celebration of a foremost female member of the association, Mama Mistura Asunmo, who, come next month would join the league of Octogenarians.
Oba Balogun gave this commendation in his Alarere residence when the Chairman of the 80th Birthday Planning Committee, Yeye Toyin Adegbola popularly called ‘Ajoke Asewo to re Mecca’ led two of her committee members to present letter, requesting for the endorsement, support and presence of the monarch at the epoch making event holding on the 6th of next month at an event centre around Yidi-Agodi Gate.
Olubadan, in a press statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola described the decision of TAMPAN as a very commendable one and a demonstration of recognition of hard work as well as appreciation of dedication and commitment to one’s career.
While congratulating in advance the respectable artiste with a prayer that the Almighty Allah would not abandon her in her old age, Olubadan asked the association to remain focused and alive to its responsibilities noting that “this gesture would go a very long way to encourage those in the industry to be more committed with the conviction that their tomorrow in the profession will be glorious”.
In the letter signed by Yeye Adegbola and her Secretary, Funke Foluso Lala, the association says, “Mama Mistura Asunmo aka ‘Mama 2D’ a daughter of Ibadan from Asunmo family of Isale Alfa and veteran actress of impeccable repute clocks 80 years of sojourn on earth. We wish to surface the popular saying that there is dignity in labour and that hardwork, dedication, consistency and commitment never go unnoticed nor unrewarded.
“There’s no gainsaying that her positive contributions to the society, both home and abroad through her acting profession are immeasurable. And for such a hoary mother-figure cum a pride to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, we deemed it fit that nothing will be too much to celebrate her, more importantly while she’s still alive”, the letter reads further.
Speaking to the letter, Yeye Adegbola explained that the association had the habit of celebrating the dead, which could not be said to be a bad idea, but, “we want to add to the narrative by showing our stars the kind of honour they are likely to be given at their demise while they are still alive. We want to celebrate the mercies of God in the life of Mama Mistura because, it is purely a function of grace and mercy to clock 80 years on earth.
“We know that we can’t but ride on the crests of people like you in the society in order to achieve this intent. And it is in this light that we are seeking your endorsement, support and presence during the occasion towards a befitting birthday bash for Mama Mistura”, Yeye Adegbola added.
Packaged by Omolara Oyewole
