The National Troupe of Nigeria on Thursday staged a play, ‘Echoes of the Drums’, to mark Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary.

NTN artistic director Ahmed Mohammed said the play’s relevance was in the subtle allegorical messages of love, brotherliness, unity, cohabitation and hope in Nigeria.

Mr Mohammed noted that messages were creatively twined and knitted through drums and music rhythms. According to him, the messages are needed at this stage of the nation’s political and social life as a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society.

“The performance is a major production of NTN in the 2022 production season, and it is our contribution to celebrate Nigeria at 62,” he explained. NTN is strongly committed to encouraging creativity, discovery and development of talents in the performing arts through artistic productions geared toward national aspirations.”

Information minister Lai Mohammed said that using storytelling, drumming and other traditional mediums to promote peace and unity was very important in the nation’s quest for social integration and development.

“I am particularly pleased with the fact that we are witnessing the synergy and the use of two traditional mediums of communication, which are drumming and storytelling, to convey the message of peace, brotherliness and togetherness to the Nigerian people,” said the minister. 

He added, “This is important as we look forward to celebrating the 62nd independence celebration of our dear nation. I find this quite critical at this time of our national life. We must deploy these mediums inherent in our culture as veritable tools to foster social interaction, peace, unity and progress among the people of Nigeria.”

(NAN)