For lecturers, alumni and students of the Department of Theatre Arts at the prestigious Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta, it was a time to celebrate benefactor and founder of the department, Dr.Basil Ledogo Wikina who retired from the service of the Institution on the 11th of November, 2021 at the age of 65 years
A three-day send-forth activities packaged between 9th and 11th of November, 2021 by the department,to appreciate the pioneering role of Wikina in the establishment of the department,saw the provost of the college, Dr.Rafiu Soyele ,other top officials, associates as well as academics and students of the department, eulogising the doggedness of the Theatre Arts icon and Scholar, who served FCE, Abeokuta in various capacities as Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dean of Students Affairs, Head of Department of English Language and before becoming pioneering staff and Head of Department of Theatre Arts
There was also forum organized to strengthen relationship between Theatre Arts' scholars and practitioners in the industry while there was a stage drama of a play titled " Resurrection of The Dead" written by the celebrant, (Dr.Wikina) and performed by the alumni and students of the department, as part of the pullout activities for the outstanding playwright and veteran academic
Some of the academics including the Head of the Theatre Department, Dr.Chris Omotosho and Chief Lecturer, Dr.Tomori Olowomi narrated how they benefited from the academic exploits of the Erudite scholar who single-handedly set up the department in the 2004, without financial resources
Omotosho who recalled how he was employed by the college as a lecturer shortly after the establishment of the department, asked the management of FCE, Abeokuta to immortalize Dr.Wikina by renaming the main hall of the Theatre Arts Department after him, in appreciation of his contributions to the creation of the department
Also the Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr.(Mrs) T.A Akinsanya described Wikina as an easy going person whom she benefited from his rich experience and wisdom while working with him as the then Dean of Students Affairs of FCE, Abeokuta
"I had the opportunity of working as Dean of Students Affairs for two years, at a time we had to try students found quity of cultism and the college had to suspend the affected students but Dr.Wikina suggested that the students should be asked to denounce their membership of the cultist group not suspending them which the students did", she stated
The dean lauded the leadership qualities of Wikina and urged him to always be available to support the college who still need to tap from his rich wisdom and knowledge even after retirement from the service of the Institution
Similarly highly respected retired Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan,Lanrele Bamidele during a public presentation of a festschrift " The Fusion of Arts, Culture And Education" written in honour of Wikina, commended him for books written to enhance the teaching and practice of Theatre Arts"
"Those of us who read your books will continue to remember you", the professor praised Wikina
The 76 years old professor who supervised Master Degree thesis of the Celebrant, how asked him to be prepared to take up new challenges in the industry even after retirement from the academia
Wikina who was graceful to God for his 31years sojourn at FCE, Osiele, Abeokuta,recalled how he was employed by the college in 1990 at same time with a woman he later married as wife out of the 23 applicants for jobs
The retired Chief Lecturer particularly extolled the unique qualities of his wife with whom he enrolled and finished PhD programme together at University of Ibadan, Nigeria's premier university
The celebrant in emotional laden voice was full of praises for the Department of Theatre Arts for celebrating his retirement in a very unique style, noting the contributions of incumbent Head of Department, Dr. Chris Omotosho and other academic staff including Chief Lecturer, Dr. Tomori Olowomi and Kunle Adeniyi as an Arts Manager of the department
He described Omotosho as a dedicated was coming to the college without be paid until the establishment of the department
Wikina who appreciated the sufferings of the pioneer students in 2004 and successes recorded so far in the industry in the past 17 years, however enjoined students of the department to always have mentor to grow in the profession
"You must have a mentor to grow, don't leave this college with curses but blessings of your lecturers", he advised the students
He also donated a trophy to the department, to promote healthy competition among Secondary Schools in Odeda Local Government Area to be completed annually to revive drama and dancing at the school level
High point of the celebration was cutting of 65th birthday cake by the celebrant with his wife and presentation of gifts by alumnus of the department
There was special cultural dance performance by the students of the department and other interest groups and individuals
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