VIDEO Beautiful Beginning Academy stages play on gender equality, climate change

… as DG VON, Comrade Grace Ike, FCTA Mandate Secretary receive award of Excellence 

With the growing need to sensitize the younger generation on prevalent societal issues, parents and scholars have been advised to promote gender equality and provide opportunities to shape and empower children by catching them young. 

The call was made during a play staged by Beautiful Beginning Academy Abuja, in collaboration with a movie production company, Deep Waterz Consult in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Tagged with the theme: People of the Sun; the story was a true life and electrifying stage play that ignites the battle for identity, power, and survival. In the play voices long silenced rise in a gripping tale of resilience, reckoning, and the urgent fight against gender inequality. The performance is a fierce and thought-provoking journey where men and women stand, not just as equals, but as vital forces, shaping destiny and defending the planet humans call home.

Speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commissioner, Honourable Ginika Tor; who was also representing Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, reiterated the need to empower children to be aware of prevalent issues such as gender inequality and other societal issues.

She said “as a proud parent whose child is a cast; the king in the play, I strongly believe that functional learning is the way forward for schools. Beautiful Beginning Academy has taken learning a step higher by empowering the students with knowledge, skills and positive attitude that will groom them to apply in real- life situations. Such exploration of talents will groom these children to function effectively in their daily lives, communities and as empowered adults in the future”

Also present at the event was the Director General Voice of Nigeria, represented by the Deputy Director, Digital Media, Mr Qasim Akinreti, PHD. The DG VON reiterated Voice of Nigeria’s commitment in giving children a voice because they are the bright future Nigeria hopes for.

According to him, “Gender equality, our culture and so many lessons have been projected throughout the play and this shows that there is a great future for these young ones”.

While applauding the children for demonstrating talents and skills way beyond her expectations, the MD Beautiful Beginning Academy, Dr Rosemary Nasa-Okolie called on the government, educational stakeholders and parents to encourage functional learning which will imbibe in the children lifelong skills.

“Functional education is our style of education. We empower our children in knowledge, skills and character. The stage play you are watching today is a tale that ponders on gender equality and the need to promote all the sustainable development goals that will tackle problems caused by climate change. This is just the beginning for us and I encourage parents to embrace 21st century education”.

Awards

Awards of excellence were given to the Mandate Secretary to head of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr. Adedayo Benjamin- Laniyi; the NUJ FCT COUNCIL Chairman, comrade Grace Ike and the Director General Voice of Nigeria, for their unwavering commitment in advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment and giving a voice to children through the media.

While expressing appreciation for the honour given to her, Comrade Grace Ike, flagged by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, emphasized on the need to empower the girl child just as the boy child; as this resonates with her story on becoming the first female NUJ FCT COUNCIL Chairman in over 40 years of the council’s existence.

Giving a final and congratulatory remark to the award recipients, the Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero expressed her satisfaction at the display of culture, laced with great lessons to take home. She further applauded the management of Beautiful Beginning Academy for promoting gender equality while portraying Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Speaking to journalist on his impression about the success of the event, Aliyu Mustapha, a grade five(5) student of the school said:

“This play has taught me that women are very important and we must protect our environment. I acted in the play and it has taught me that women must not be put in a corner; instead, they should be allowed to shine and achieve all their dreams”.

Kimorah Douglas on the other hand said Beautiful Beginning has groomed her to believe in herself and aim for greatness.

The event showcased a vibrant display of cultural heritage through captivating performances, a thought-provoking stage play on gender equality and climate change; and a prestigious awards presentation, recognizing outstanding champions of gender equality and sustainable development.