WAP TV signs deal with NTA to return the Village Headmaster on TV
The management of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to bring back the iconic drama, the Village Headmaster, Nigeria’s longest ran television drama series on TV again.
The MoU, which was signed at the NTA Headquarters Abuja, officially marked the beginning of a partnership aimed at resuscitating the drama series that was rested in 1988.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by top management staff of NTA including Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, director-general; Mallam Salihu A. Dembos, executive director Marketing; Mr Wole Coker, executive director Production; Mallam Umar Abubakar Dembo, director of Marketing; Barrister Theresa Nwanneri, secretary/legal adviser; and Mrs Mabel Moses, head, Corporate Affairs, as well as the management of WAP represented by , Mr Wale Adenuga, chairman; and Mr Wale Adenuga jnr, managing director.
The Village Headmaster was created by Chief Olusegun Olusola, culture icon and directed by Dejumo Lewis and ran on NTA between 1968 and 1988 before it was rested. As the years went by, Nigerians missed some of their favourite stars like ‘Amebo’ played by Ibidun Allison, the ‘Kabiyesi’ also known as Oloja of Oja, interpreted by Dejumo Lewis among others, even as death took some away. However, lovers of the series may not have to wait for too long for its return.
Originally a radio drama series, the must-watch started as a radio programme in Ibadan in 1958, with the late sage, Chief Olusola, as creator and producer. It became Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera shown on the NTA, and later one of Africa’s first television programmes that delved into inter-ethnic harmony, problem-solving and intervention in public affairs, health, education and family enjoyment.
A source of pride and unity to Nigerians, it is on the premise of this legacy that NTA and WAP would be continuing with this new production, which will premiere on NTA Network from January 2021.
Commenting on the MoU, Wale Adenuga Jnr, said the series, which left its mark on the theatrical sand of times, would be a delight to the fans with its rousing episodes.
