Baba-Ahmed, Alagbaoso, Kenyan and Spanish Envoys Grace Adesewo’s Book Launch at 50

Baba-Ahmed, Alagbaoso, Kenyan and Spanish Envoys Grace Adesewo’s Book Launch at 50

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

Prominent political figures, diplomats, and members of Nigeria’s cultural community gathered in Abuja to celebrate theatre practitioner and cultural advocate Jerry Adesewo, popularly known as ‘Om’Oba’ as he marked his 50th birthday with the public presentation of two books, ‘The Weight of Becoming’ and ‘The Years of Me.’

The event attracted a distinguished audience that included former vice-presidential candidate and proprietor of Baze University, Abuja and Baba Ahmed University, Kano, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Kenya’s Ambassador to Nigeria H.E. Isaac Parashina; Spanish Ambassador, H.E. Constales; Hon. Chief Jerry Alagbaoso, a former member of the House of Representatives and Federal Commissioner at the Federal Character Commission.

The gathering blended literary reflection, cultural celebration, and social commitment, highlighting Adesewo’s long-standing engagement in theatre, journalism, and cultural advocacy.

Books that Reflect a Personal and Creative Journey

The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of Adesewo’s two books; works that explore personal growth, identity, and the deeper reflections that come with life’s experiences. While ‘The Weight of Becoming’ focuses on the philosophical and emotional journey of self-development, ‘The Years of Me’ offers introspective reflections on personal transformation and the lessons gathered through life and creative practice.

Guests at the event described the books as reflective works that capture not only the author’s personal experiences but also broader societal themes around purpose, resilience, and self-discovery.

A Gift to Young Readers

In a gesture that underscored the educational dimension of the event, Adesewo announced that copies of the books would be donated to secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the author, 10 copies of each title will be donated to 50 schools in the FCT, a move aimed at encouraging reading culture and inspiring young people through literature.

The initiative was widely applauded by guests, who described it as a practical contribution toward promoting literacy and youth development.

Hon. Chief Jerry Alagbaoso, a member of the House of Representatives, was represented at the ceremony by Mallam Denja Abdullahi, a respected cultural administrator and former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

Speaking on behalf of the former lawmaker, Abdullahi commended Adesewo’s dedication to theatre practice, cultural promotion, intellectual engagement, and most importantly, his ingenuity and commitment to the heart.

He noted that artists and writers play an essential role in shaping national consciousness by documenting experiences, questioning society, and inspiring new ideas. According to him, Adesewo’s contribution to Nigeria’s cultural space reflects a commitment to preserving artistic expression while promoting dialogue through storytelling.

A Life in Theatre and Cultural Advocacy

Adesewo is widely known in Nigeria’s cultural space as a theatre director, writer, and arts advocate. Over the years, he has worked to strengthen theatre practice in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

He is the founder and artistic director of Arojah Royal Theatre, as well as the founder of the Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards (ABITFA), platforms that have created opportunities for emerging playwrights, actors, and theatre practitioners.

Through these initiatives, he has consistently advocated for stronger institutional support for the performing arts while nurturing new talents in Nigeria’s creative sector.

Colleagues at the event noted that sustaining theatre in Abuja requires persistence and commitment; qualities they say Adesewo has demonstrated throughout his career.

Many speakers at the event observed that Adesewo’s move into reflective writing represents a natural extension of his career in theatre and storytelling.

As a theatre practitioner, he has long used performance as a medium to explore social themes. Through literature, they said, he is expanding that storytelling tradition into another creative form. The unveiling of the books therefore served not only as a personal milestone but also as an expansion of his creative footprint.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

Beyond the formal book presentation, the event evolved into a celebration of friendship, mentorship, and collaboration within Nigeria’s creative community.

Friends, colleagues, and cultural stakeholders shared memories of artistic partnerships, theatre productions, and cultural initiatives that have shaped Abuja’s theatre ecosystem over the years.

For many attendees, the occasion symbolised not just a birthday celebration but recognition of Adesewo’s enduring role as a cultural worker and storyteller.

The Journey Ahead

As he reflected on the milestone of turning fifty, Adesewo described the moment as an opportunity to pause and examine the journey so far while looking ahead to new possibilities.

By combining literature with theatre advocacy and by extending the impact of his books to young readers in schools, the author signalled his intention to continue contributing to Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual life.

For many of those who attended the event, the message of the evening was clear: storytelling, whether through theatre or literature, remains a powerful tool for reflection, inspiration, and social transformation.