Theatre students at Federal University Lokoja wrapped up their community engagement project this past weekend. The 300-level performers staged drama presentations in Karaworo Community, New Layout.
Their mission was clear: promote unity and community development. Through participatory theatre, they highlighted pressing local challenges.
Tribalism plagued the community. So did poor roads, water shortages, and unreliable electricity.
The students used thought-provoking playlets to drive home a message. Peaceful coexistence and dialogue could transform the neighbourhood.
Vice-Chancellor Gbenga Ibileye attended the event and praised the initiative. He called it a model of genuine university-community partnership.
According to Ibileye, universities must benefit their host communities. "The university hopes to establish a joint committee involving both the institution and community members to monitor issues identified during the exercise and channel them to relevant authorities where necessary," he said.
He also commended Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Sheila, the Etsu Lokoja, for his backing. The traditional ruler had shown genuine hospitality to the students.
Felix Egwuda heads the Department of Theatre Arts. He explained that this community project is a compulsory six-credit course for 300-level students.
Student performances count toward their final grades. The programme works in two phases: first raising awareness, then returning to measure real change.
Egwuda stressed an important point: communities shouldn't wait for government alone. Local people can fix roads and water systems through teamwork.
Awan David Menegbe chaired the planning committee. He noted that students conducted serious field research before writing their scripts.
Emmanuel Sunday Ikpelemoh highlighted the value of community theatre. It gives students and residents a chance to tackle social and political issues together through performance.
Follow-up visits to other communities have shown real results. Sanitation improved.
Security got better. People participated more actively.
Student performer Yakubu Paul summed up the core message simply. Unity works when people abandon pride and differences.
"If they could be united, drop pride, tribalism and religion, come together and discuss, they could help themselves and then engage the right leaders," Paul told reporters.
The Etsu Lokoja commended FUL for using drama as a development tool. Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Sheila said the students had successfully pinpointed key community problems while encouraging collective responsibility and harmony among residents.
