Kudos trail CBAAC’s award party

It was a rare moment of fun and celebration as friends, associates and workers of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), converged recently for its yearly merit award. The event held at the National Theatre annexe, Iganmu, Lagos. 

As a prelude to the programme, some members of the audience danced to popular tunes by the Disc Jockey (DJ). Thereafter, the Dugombas Dance Ensamble presented a drama piece entitled: Bata/Dundun. Wearing blue adire costumes, the group, comprising male and female dancers thrilled the audience in fast, rhythmic dance steps. Veteran actor/musician, Jimi Solanke, also spiced up the serene atmosphere with his music and dance steps. 

In his welcome address, the Director-General of CBAAC, Prof Tunde Babawale, said that the successes recorded by the centre have been through the continuous commitment of staff to the realization of its vision and mission statement. 
He is to comparatively remain the beacon of hope in the preservation, promotion and propagation of African culture. The Centre according to him, will continue to invest in staff development through training and welfare programmes which will ensure that the centre’s dreams and aspirations are kept afloat. 

The DG recalled that the idea of instituting a get-together for staff began during the tenure of his predecessor, Prof Duro Oni and since he took over the mantle of leadership four years ago, the centre has made it a yearly event. “ Our decision to sustain this informal gathering was motivated by the need to provide members of staff opportunity to unwind and interact. Since we began giving recognition and award to deserving members of staff, there has been greater commitment and improved dedication by them to their duties” explained Babawale. 

Also Chairman, Governing Board of CBAAC, Otunba Semiu Adesina Bakinson said he is impressed with CBBAC for organizing the programme for its staff. The biggest asset the centre has, according to Barkinson, is for staff to continue to show loyalty, dedication and commitment to their duty. 

“All the interest, CBAAC has generated and the euphoria created has been made possible by her members of staff and based on their contributions, the board will continue to ensure that staff welfare is given the required attention and not relegated” he said. However, he enjoined workers who won this year’s award to show greater commitment to work while those who were not rewarded should work harder because there is still room for improvement. 

Commenting on the criteria used for selecting the awardees, Shadrach Golen, who was chairman of Merit Award Committee, said the essence of the award is to encourage staff who have been working hard as well as encourage those who have not received awards, to work hard to enable them win awards in future. He added that workers won awards were selected based on hardwork, neatness, discipline and relationship with other workers. 

Among the awardees were Sunday Bankole, Daniel Alonge, Titilola Theresa Ogun and Kikelomo Balogun who received awards for 20 years of service. Also Mrs Victoria Oluseun Aina, Josephine Obioma, A.K Donaventure, received awards for 30 years of service. The longest serving award went to Elubadebo Olubukola. 
Workers who retired last year were not left out as they also received their prizes. Mrs Josephine Oyebanjo, and Mr B.A Yusufu for 30 years of service while Mr E.D Gore, Mr Razak Folami, Juliet Oluwoye, and Ogunmola Babajide received Merit Awards. 

Some of the guests include Prof Duro Oni and wife, Mrs Sola Fosudo, Mrs C.J Abara of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).