The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has urged Nigerians to adopt patriotism and integrity as core values necessary for the nation’s growth and development.
This appeal came during the staging of Once Upon Four Robbers, a play by renowned Nigerian playwright Prof. Femi Osofisan, performed recently at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. The event, supported by NNPCL, was part of the company’s effort to inspire moral and civic responsibility among citizens.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, described the play as a powerful medium for addressing societal issues and promoting values critical to national progress.
“Once Upon Four Robbers underscores the importance of individual responsibility in building a better society,” Soneye said. “The themes of the play align with the Federal Government’s ‘Change Begins With Us’ initiative, encouraging Nigerians to adopt integrity and patriotism in their daily lives.”
He further emphasized that these values are essential for driving positive change. “Patriotism and integrity are the bedrock of a prosperous society,” Soneye remarked. “When we, as citizens, uphold these principles in our actions, we contribute to national development. NNPCL remains committed to supporting initiatives like this that promote these ideals.”
Prof. Femi Osofisan expressed surprise at the continued relevance of his play, written decades ago, in addressing moral and societal challenges.
“The fact that this play remains topical after so many years highlights how persistent some of our societal issues are,” Osofisan said. “It’s a call for reflection and collective action.”
The play’s director, Dire Badejo, shared similar sentiments, explaining his motivation for choosing Once Upon Four Robbers as a tool to confront Nigeria’s pressing societal problems.
“In January, I sought a production that would delve into the root causes of our challenges,” Badejo said. “This play does exactly that, exploring themes of morality, justice, and societal responsibility. Thanks to NNPCL’s sponsorship, we were able to bring this story to life and make an impact.”
The Abuja production featured an impressive cast, including Tunji Sotimirin, Frances Onwoche, Ropo Ewenla, Bukky Ogunnote, and Yemi Shodimu, whose performances captivated the audience. The play’s success in Abuja is paving the way for its next staging at the Muson Centre in Lagos.
Badejo hopes the play’s powerful narrative will inspire audiences to reflect on their actions and embrace values that foster societal growth.
“Through this production, we aim to challenge individuals to rethink their roles in creating a better Nigeria,” Badejo concluded.
At its core, the message of Once Upon Four Robbers is clear: for Nigeria to thrive, citizens must prioritize integrity, responsibility, and love for their country. NNPCL’s advocacy through this play underscores the importance of collective action in tackling the nation’s challenges.
As Nigerians prepare to experience the play’s Lagos performance, it serves as a timely reminder that true change begins with each individual embracing these essential values.