All set for return of The Village

Months after the official announcement for the return TV series, following the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the management of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), Nigeria’s longest ran television drama series, The Village Headmaster is set to hit screen.

Already, the recording stage of the first season has been successfully concluded, and the promotional trailer has started airing across TV screens in the country.

In line with the producers’ promise to deliver a first-class project of international standards, the project is currently undergoing post-production process – video editing, special effects, graphics, colour grading, music scoring, and subtitling among others. The exciting trailer has been on heavy rotation on NTA Network, AIT Network, wapTV, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms.

Directed by the multiple-award-winning Patience Oghre Imobhio, the project recording, which commenced in early November 2020 and concluded by mid-December 2020, stars some of the original cast, including Dejumo Lewis (Kabiyesi), Ibidun Allison (Amebo), Dan Imoudu (Chief Dagbolu), Dele Osawe (Teacher Fadele), Melville Obriango (Teacher Oghene), Kate Adepegba (Folake), and Lara Akinsola (Doyin).

Other names on the diverse list of superstars, Gongo Aso hit maker, Abolore Akande better known in the music industry as 9ice, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Chris Iheuwa, Mr Latin, Rachael Oniga, Funky Mallam, Jide Kosoko, Omo Ibadan, Okele, Princess, Sam Uche Anyamele, Mide Martins, Rycardo Agbor, Jumoke George, Yemi Shodimu, Babatunde Aderinoye, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Jide Alabi, Christy Imanlehin, Yemi Remi, Monica Friday, Deborah Anugwa, Ajobiewe Jr., Jumoke Olabisi, Eric Obinna, and others.

The Village Headmaster series would start airing from April this year on NTA Network, AIT Network, and wapTV Network, across Nigeria and several parts of Africa.

Commenting on the latest development, release of the thriller, Managing Director of WAP, Wale Adenuga Jnr, said that lovers of the TV drama series may not have to wait for too long again, as the fun thrilling programme which left its mark on the theatrical sand of times, would be a delight to the fans with its rousing episodes.

Created by the late culture icon, Chief Olusegun Olusola and directed by Dejumo Lewis, the edutainment family programme 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.

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 partnered to revive the series and continue with this new production, which was earlier set to premiere on NTA Network this month.