Brand new Professor of Theatre Arts, Diran Ademiju Bepo, has told his story with style.
In his response to the congratulatory messages he received on Facebook, he revisited his journey since his birth by unlettered but committed trade parents, to the present season of amazing fulfilment:
THIS IS MY STORY…AND MY SONG, IN AND OUT OF LOCKDOWN – ON THE NEWS OF MY PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF PROFESSOR: I APPRECIATE YOU ALL!
The Senate of the University of Jos, on behalf of the Governing Council, on Thursday, 18th March, 2021 announced my promotion to the rank of Professor of Theatre and Film Studies. It was precisely 30 days after I took over as the Acting Head of Department of Theatre and Film Arts.
Prelude.
In 2010, May –, to be precise, after the interview that saw me being offered the opportunity to be where and what I am today, I was reluctant whether to take up the offer or “walk away, and become a millionaire” as the saying goes, from a popular TV programme, because I was not given the position applied for. I had written many applications over a period of 16 years to other institutions but the one to Unijos in the middle of a crisis in town, appeared to be gathering the momentum.
Two ladies, Prof. Irene Isoken Agunloye, sitting Head of Department, who had literally head-hunted me, from the Nigerian Film Corporation, and ageless Auntie B, Mrs. Bose Tsevende, eventually convinced me, one fateful day, before I resumed.
This is part of the Prelude to the oceans of congratulatory messages, prayers and well-wishes, and of course, invitations to “wash am” which began to overflow that fateful Thursday.
The reality of the last 9 days has been humbling and overwhelming. It has confirmed, once again, to me, that “bi mo ba w’ehin, ti mo r’enii mi, eniyan l’aso mi” (when I look back and I see my own people, I realise that I have a human covering (costumes?). The world has more good and kind people than bad and evil ones, according to Professor Tunji Azeez, a forerunner, who actually inspired this. He enthused, “More gladdening is that I’m lucky to be surrounded by loving and beautiful people”.
These people include some who have been like Patron and Matron Saints in the course of this odyssey, too numerous to mention.
Movement One.
The story of this boy began from humble parents, father and mother, two traders who never had the opportunity of passing through the four walls of a school like I did but had passion for education.
I remember that the journey began at C.A.C Primary School, Sakasaka, Ejigbo, then to St. Michael’s Primary School, Alaadorin, in Ibadan (urban migration of a boy on a mission!), and eventually took him to St. Patrick’s Grammar School, SPACO, Orita-Bashorun, Ibadan, to the premier University of Ibadan., for my three degrees.
Movement Two
Then, in 2010, our prestigious UJ gave me the opportunity to start doing the little I’ve done to make this dream of my childhood a reality. God redeemed the 16 years of the locusts for me, and gave me a new song. He buoyed my wings with Evidence and grace for progress. I, mere dust, that He has turned into a human, to praise and worship Him, all the days of my life! (Emi erupe lasan, ti E so l’eniyan…!)
Movement Three
I, therefore, thank all those who contributed, one way or another, consciously or unconsciously, directly or indirectly to my being here. My wonderful late parents, my late siblings, living family members, teachers, mentors, spiritual fathers and mentors, professional, creative and academic colleagues, members of the Anchor Productions and Dynastygold Global Impact Communications (Dynasty Players), my wonderful students who have remained my friends.
Also, my critics, and a few antagonists whose antagonism – deserved and undeserved – have contributed in no limited measure to this success story.
I pray that the Almighty whom I serve will reward and grant you all the good things of life and crown it with sound health and long life. Amen.
Finally, join me to sing:
“What shall I render… unto Jehovah
For He has done so very much for me;
What shall I render unto Jehovah
For He has done so very much for me.
Nara! Nara! Nara, Nara eee
Narekele, Narekele mmo!
Nara! Nara! Nara, Nara eee
Narekele, Narekele mmo!
E se, mo dupe, mo du pepe Okun!
It is indeed, my Year of Evidence!
Adediran Kayode Ademiju-Bepo
MASK
