Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos came alive on Saturday, July 5, 2025 as the third edition of UNILAG in Town, a Gown to Town initiative of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, was held with an electrifying stage play of Moremi Ajasoro and Arts Exhibition.
Moremi Ajasoro
The stage play: Moremi Ajasoro transformed the venue, into a Mecca of sort with rich culture and artistic display of the heroic deed of Moremi Ajasoro as written by Lekan Balogun and directed by Adeniran Makinde. Held in two (2) sessions, the cast included the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye.
The atmosphere was ecstatic and filled with excitement as the audience was treated to beautiful customs and excellent acting by the performers who brought to life the courage and sacrifice of the Yoruba Queen from Ile-Ife, Moremi Ajasoro.
The play captured the history of a time when Ile-Ife was under constant attacks by mysterious raiders and how Moremi took up the task of saving her people by offering herself to be captured in order to learn the secrets of their tormentor. After gaining their trust, she discovered their weakness, and escaped to help her people defeat them.
To fulfill a vow made to the river deity, Esimirin for her success, Moremi Ajasoro was tragically required to sacrifice her only son, Omolarere. This bravery and selflessness made her a revered heroine in Yoruba history, honored through festivals and monuments till this day.
An evening to Appreciate Culture and Values
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor and Host of the UNILAG in Town Project, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the stage play as an initiative borne out of the desire to intensify the importance of values and virtues.
While appreciating every member of the audience which included management staff, guests, students, friends of UNILAG and art enthusiasts, Prof Ogunsola said the event marked another significant milestone in the University’s spirited efforts to discover, harness and promote talents among its students’ population.
According to her, the stage play: Moremi Ajasoro, just like the previous editions of UNILAG in Town, is not just for mere entertainment but also a means to provide education on the enduring power of African culture, preservation of African history and promotion of values through storytelling.
Prof. Ogunsola noted that the story of Moremi Ajasoro should inspire Nigerians to embrace patriotism, selflessness, leadership, and community service as against personal interests.
Her words, “UNILAG in Town is meant to accord those in attendance, a feel of what UNILAG students are made of in terms of culture, creativity, preservation and promotion of culture, tradition as well as social interaction.”
Professor Ogunsola also expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations that provided various donations to ensure the success of UNILAG in Town 3, including: Alpha Morgan Bank (Platinum Donor), Havilah Group (Gold Donor), Axial Nigeria Limited, Anchor Petroleum, Ticktos Nigeria Limited, Integrated Engineering Project Limited, TKGreenfield and Resources Enterprises, UNILAG Microfinance Bank, UNILAG Ventures Company Limited, Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS-UNILAG); Professor Felix Olusegun Ayadi and Mr. Bunmi Davies among others.
A Commitment to Excellence
There was a goodwill message from the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Morgan Bank, Mr. Ade Buraimo, who applauded UNILAG for its spirited commitment to excellence.
While acknowledging the long standing relationship between UNILAG and Alpha Morgan Capital Managers Limited/Alpha Morgan Bank, Mr. Buraimo expressed delight with the quality of performance displayed, and assured of his company’s continued support of the UNILAG in Town project.
He described his organisation’s support for UNILAG through the renovation of the Main Library’s Ground Floor, adoption of the Prof Adetokunbo Sofoluwe Park and donation to UNILAG in Town 3 as a demonstration of its commitment to projects that is centered around the development of people, places and the planet.
UNILAG in Town 3
The 2025 edition of UNILAG in Town was not just about the theatre aspect of Creative Arts, it also featured the fine-arts aspect as different works of art were on display for admiration and sales.
UNILAG in Town debuted in 2023 with Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels while the second edition: Love and Colours in Delphi was held on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayomide Oloyede
