Ace actor, Mr. Dele Odule has called on the Federal government to tap into the entertainment industry in order to create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths of the country.
Odule who spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital at a press conference heralding activities lined up for his 40 years on stage explained that if government could tap into the various opportunities in the industry, it would open more job opportunities for jobless youths.
He disclosed that the era of white collar jobs were gone in the country hence government must look into other industries to create job opportunities.
His words: “I share in the belief that the era of white collar jobs are gone in Nigeria and this is the naked truth. The various departments of theatre arts practice, if adequately tapped, can create job opportunities for our teeming youth”.
The Ace actor disclosed that he would stage a “stage play” worth N100 million in all six South West States and some North Central States of the country as part of activities to commemorate the celebration, adding that over 100 cast and crew would participate in the project.
The title of the stage drama is Oju Kelekun (Farewell to Reproach).
Odule explained that the reason why he planned to stage a “stage play” was for him to revive the stage performance in the sector, saying ” We therefore intend to use this medium to open up an avenue for government to empower the youth”.
He said he was making efforts to take after the late legend of stage play, Dr. Hubert Ogunde and others by reviving the stage performances.
The play, to him, would be produced by the combination of professional artistes both from the academia and the travelling theatre practice, stressing that: “The combination will make it good and entertaining venture.
“The combination of these two groups will definitely bring about the originality in Nigeria theatre. The practical theatre without theory is a child’s play while the theoretical theatre without practical is intellectual failure.
Odule disclosed that he almost opted out of acting profession in 1984 when nothing was “coming forth” to feed himself, saying he took the advice of a senior colleague in the industry, Akin Odunsi for him to stay.
