The Federal Capital Territory is gearing up for a weekend of riveting theatre as Once Upon Four Robbers, the iconic play by renowned Nigerian playwright Femi Osofisan, comes to life at the NAF Conference Centre from Friday, December 13, to Sunday, December 15.

Directed by the celebrated ‘Dire Badejo, the production features a star-studded cast of 50, combining drama, music, dance, and comedy to create an unforgettable experience for audiences. The play dives into the complexities of poverty, morality, and survival, exploring how systemic challenges force individuals into morally ambiguous decisions.

First staged decades ago, Once Upon Four Robbers remains as relevant as ever, shedding light on societal corruption and economic inequality—issues that still resonate in many African nations. Its thought-provoking narrative offers a powerful commentary on the human condition, sparking conversations about justice, empathy, and societal transformation.

Tickets are available online at ₦10,000 for regular seats and ₦15,000 for VIP access. There will be no on-site ticket sales. The event is proudly sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as part of its corporate social responsibility, aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich culture and literary heritage.

This theatrical masterpiece promises to entertain and inspire, making it the perfect outing for families, theatre lovers, and cultural enthusiasts. As Abuja welcomes this iconic production, audiences are set to reflect, laugh, and be moved by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated plays.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this dynamic blend of storytelling, culture, and performance.

16:Xisten Events CEO, Smith Oseghale, has debunked the long-held belief that entertainment professionals can only thrive in Lagos. Speaking on the industry’s growth, Oseghale asserted that the immense potential in Nigeria’s population allows practitioners to flourish anywhere in the country.
While Lagos remains a powerhouse for the industry, Oseghale emphasized that social media and growing regional markets have made it possible for stars to be discovered and thrive in cities like Benin, Warri, and Abuja.
He highlighted the success of shows like Edwardo Untamed and MC Edo Pikin Undiluted as proof that entertainment knows no boundaries.
With major upcoming events like King Zina set for January, 16: Xisten Events is leading the charge for a nationwide entertainment revolution.

While noting the immense infrastructure and support the industry gets in Lagos, Oseghale
Indicated that everybody do not need to relate to the former capital to contribute their quota in the sector.

He said the industry must be diversified to promote excellence and professionalism to satisfy the entertainment needs of millions of Nigerians living in different regions.

According to him, the large population of Nigeria is of immense advantage to anybody to benefit from in any business venture hence the notion of moving to Lagos as surest way to become a star is not totally correct.

While applauding the role Lagos plays in the growth and development of different sectors of the entertainment industry like music, movies, comedy, dance, event manage, among others, he pointed out that stars over the years have been discovered in other parts of the country.

The 16: Xisten CEO, who said the world has become a global village with the emergence of various social media platforms insisted that “such insinuations are no longer entirely true but just a figment of the imaginations of a few naysayers”.

“As the sky is wide enough to contain the millions of birds, so is the industry wide enough to contain practitioners irrespective of the location they play in”.

“Our population is one of our biggest strengths as a nation and if we can explore the huge market inherent, then we will know that with the right strategy, we can thrive in Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Lokoja, Benin, Owerri, Oshogo or Illorin”.

The young entrepreneur, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma and a Master Degree in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Benin, maintained that all the shows he has produced in Benin, Abuja, Warri and other cities are testaments that a true professional can blossom anywhere.

According to him, “I just produced a massively successful event Edwardo Untamed on October 1st which is an annual show held in Benin City. “That event also made its debut in Abuja in February this year and we are working assiduously to replicate the second edition in Abuja in 2025”.

“Most of the shows we have produced as thoroughbred professionals is testament that entertainment can break boundaries anywhere”.

“Over the past few years, 16: Xisten Events have produced some of the biggest shows particularly in South-South part of the country including but not limited to Maleke Unchanged, MC Edo Pikin Undiluted, Just Comedy with Funny P, Medica Live among many others”.

“Our Company has other shows coming up this year but we are currently finalizing plans for a major one coming up in January and that one is King Zina”.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

NATIONAL Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Kogi State Polytechnic chapter, has commissioned a newly constructed Relaxation Centre and named it after the Rector of the institution, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman.

A statement from the polytechnic, signed by Mrs Uredo Omale, Director, Public Relations and Protocol said the “Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman Relaxation Centre” was so named to honour the Rector in recognition of his visionary leadership.

Comrade Kuburat Adekunle, NAKOSS President, said the relaxation centre was built to provide a conducive environment for students to relax and study.

She added that it was named after the Rector as “a mark of honour for his visionary leadership, tireless commitment, and invaluable contributions to the institution’s growth and development.”

Kuburat highlighted the Association’s notable achievements under her leadership in the Polytechnic to include, the replacement of whiteboards in Halls M2, A2, R1, R3, and the Computer Science Hall.

Others are the renovation of signboards showcasing the Institution’s values, provision of solar streetlights at the Itakpe campus, and the erection of the students’ Relaxation Centre.

She expressed her gratitude to the Polytechnic Management and NAKOSS Executive members for their collaborative efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

The Rector, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr Samuel Taiwo Olowo, commended the NAKOSS President and her Executive for their visionary leadership and commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.

He also eulogized the NAKOSS Patron and Matron, Engr Abdullahi Ayni Adamu and Dr (Mrs) Ayodele Oluwakemi respectively for their invaluable support and guidance, which collectively led to the achievement of the feat.

The Rector also lauded NAKOSS leadership for the prudent management of resources, a trait which must have been inspired by the his exemplary financial management, which has earned him several awards.

He congratulated the Association’s leadership for the feats, and praised their hard work, dedication, and vision that made the commissioning of the Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman Relaxation Centre a reality.

The Principal Officers of the Polytechnic, in their goodwill messages, unanimously urged successive administrations of NAKOSS to build upon the laid legacy of remarkable achievements.

They also commended the President for exemplary leadership, value addition, and earning Management’s applause, which they noted, would endure long after her tenure.

Highlights of the commissioning ceremony was the official decoration of the Patron and Matron and an award of honour to the Dean, Directorate of Students’ Services, Dr John Aliyu in recognition of their invaluable support, commitment, and guidance to the Association. (Ends)