Opinion: My Journey in Drama, Film Ministry 7 ( For the Next Generation) by Kingsley Nwachukwu
By Kingsley Nwachukwu
Topic:
The EMERGENCE of KADUNA STATE’S ANCEDRAM
The All-Nigeria Conference of Evangelical Drama Ministers ( ANCEDRAM) of KADUNA STATE CHAPTER is a direct product of the HOSTING of Evang. Mike and Gloria Bamiloye by Quintessence Theatre of Ahmadu Bello University in June, 1998.
Evang. Mike Bamiloye, during a Question and Answer Session of his Seminar, enjoined us to join the already formed association of drama ministers across Churches, Campus Fellowships and Independent Drama Organisations in Nigeria ( ANCEDRAM).
He promised that through ANCEDRAM, we could access all practitioners and relevant information and help needed in drama/film ministries.
Immediately after the conference, the director of QT, Bro Abraham Oyeleye, sent me to Kaduna to MOBILISE all drama groups and ministers that are conversant with me while himself and Quintessence Theatre’s Secretary General ( Bro Abimbola Oyewoye) handled that of ZARIA.
I succeeded in getting the likes of Sunday Israel, Samson Enitan, Emmanuel Nnorum, Joseph Alabi, Mike Iwu, etc. through the already existing KADUNA STATE DRAMA MINISTERS FORUM under the leadership of Evang Sunday Israel.
During the meeting with ZARIA brethren, we all agreed that the LEADERSHIP of the new association should be entrusted on Quintessence Theatre for effective coordination and communication with the father recently hosted ( Evang Mike Bamiloye).
Though Kaduna brethren were not too comfortable with the arrangement as they believe that QT may certainly lack CONTINUITY in leadership as it is CAMPUS -based.
They argued that perhaps I should preside over the new association as a BROKER ( link) between Kaduna and Zaria.
I humbly declined as I was sure of leaving for the national youths service ( NYSC) in few months ahead.
We therefore agreed that the outgoing Quintessence Theatre Secretary ( Bro Abimbola), a graduate of Architecture staying behind for his masters degree, should man the office of State Chairman and other brethren while I serve as EX-OFFICIO Officer. It was gladly accepted.
We mobilised more drama ministers in both Zaria and Kaduna and fixed our INAUGURATION PROGRAM. Unfortunately, Pst Moses Makinde ( presiding over ANCEDRAM then) could not come but mandated the Lagos State Chairman, Evang JOHNSON ADEYOYIN ( Kamaja), a Relative of Bro Abimbola , to officiate our inauguration. It was also a week to that particular programme that I convinced Evang Dan Odu ( my church member) to join ANCEDRAM and he came along with Sis Eberechi Onovo, Ikechukwu Nwogbo and Sis Amaka.
Bro Abimbola -led administration did a great work in ANCEDRAM Kaduna with great zeal and zest.
While our activities continued in Kaduna, I was too convinced of observing my national youths service with Mount Zion Faith Ministry, Ibadan.
At least, by this period my family has started nursing some fears about my prophetic grace. I told them I will host Evang Mike Bamiloye soonest before I leave the University and I always see myself featuring with Mount Zion. They laughed and laughed. Perhaps, I am day-dreaming. But the recent host, put a shock to their minds.
I kept on praying until that wonderful evening ( three weeks to NYSC Orientation Camp) when Mount Zion informed me that my “VISION” ( sorry, desire) will NOT be possible as there are MANY BRETHREN already in queue for the opportunity.
I felt bad; wondering what to do next.
My Uncle who was already waiting to submit my name to NYSC Officials for possible place of posting, became confused.
That was year 2000 ( the year where Zamfara State Sharia matter was causing approar).
My Uncle called me and I asked him to forget about the posting matter as I am ready to serve ANYWHERE GOD posts me. My Dad supported that he should forget about the posting thing as I have a way of doing things. Besides, I am a man and should be able to survive anywhere.
When the posting finally came, it was ENUGU, Nigeria ( the second Headquarters of Nigerian NOLLYWOOD after LAGOS).
I laughed and laughed and made up my mind that this ONE YEAR must be heavily serious; if not for anything, for my MUCH DESIRE to contribute my QUOTA to Christian Drama/Film Ministry.
Enugu in focus…..( Don’t miss it!)
SALIENT LESSONS
1) RESPONSIBILITY brings out the BEST in people ( ministers inclusive).
The manner at which Bro Abimbola Oyewoye piloted ANCEDRAM KADUNA before handing over Emmanuel Nnorum, was highly quintessential. Some of us felt surprised at the level of his COMMITMENT beyond what we had known about him; even when he served as SECRETARY during our administration.
2) Every ideal VISION is a product of TIME. He makes all things BEAUTIFUL in their TIME.
The ZEAL and ZEST accorded to the ANCEDRAM’s VISION by Kaduna Drama Ministers Forum, was alarming. It was as if the FORUM were being prepared to embrace and metamorphose into ANCEDRAM. It made the MOBILISATION much easier ; though after a decade plus, most of us felt we should not have collapsed it. Perhaps we should have allowed it to run hand-in-hand with ANCEDRAM. After the rotatory leadership from Zaria to Kaduna, it was difficult to get another acceptable leader who could exercise effective control over Kaduna drama ministers and Quintessence Theatre on the hand, lost firm control of ZARIA brethren.
3) Leadership is not tribe-bound. There is not PERFECT man or tribe anywhere. We are all PROGRESSIVE PROJECTS in the hands of our Creator. Each tribe has her own STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES. While a typical vessel of western extraction ( especially Yoruba) is good in adoring leadership, his SINCERITY and COMMITMENT cannot be guaranteed. He can run you down a BOAT while inside the boat. He is more proned to envy and jealousy.
The vessel of eastern extraction ( especially Igbo) can be RUGGED and highly CREATIVE but can become arrogant and secceessive ( anxious to breakaway) if he senses exploitations or marginalisation. He does not easily adore leadership. He will highly celebrate you if you call him aside and accord him material benefits to go and start another organisation instead of fighting you. He will gladly do, as he is already used to apprenticeship and settlement.
The vessel of northern extraction (Hausa), is highly LOYAL and totally SOLD-OUT but can become destructive and suicidal if not properly handled. If you start an organisation with him and observe a conflict between both of you, he may not accept settlement or willingness to go and start another one with your financial support. He may prefer destroying that organisation for both of you to go and start individually all over.
Therefore, all human nature are prone to OLD MAN ( our adamic nature, tribal or carnal desires) that must EMBRACE the GOSPEL of CHRIST of which we have been crucified to the WORLD and the WORLD to us ( Gal 6:14, Rom 12: 2).
We ought therefore to live WORTHY of the CALLING.
GOD bless you!
Don’t forget: Some of our LEADERS in drama ministry are RAISING FUNDS for 25 Acres of LAND for Our Drama City.
I am personally TRUSTING GOD for One Million Naira only from my OWN END. You can SUPPORT me or if you can raise substantial amount, be given the same OPPORTUNITY.
You can chat me up for the collective account details
Or to my personal account:
Kingsley Nwachukwu ( Onwuka)
ACCESS BANK,
Acct No: 0006424570.
GSM: 08036139394.