The village headmaster returns to TV

Akpan & Oduma Season 5 Come On Screen October 5

Nigeria’s longest ran television drama series, The Village Headmaster recently received a boost, as the management of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bring back the iconic drama on TV.

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 attended by top management staff of NTA including the Director-General, Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, Executive Director Marketing, Mallam Salihu A. Dembos, Executive Director Production, Mr Wole Coker, Director of Marketing, Mallam Umar Abubakar Dembo, Secretary/Legal Adviser, Barrister Theresa Nwanneri, and Head, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Mabel Moses, as well as the management of WAP represented by the Chairman, Mr Wale Adenuga MFR, and the Managing Director, Mr Wale Adenuga Jnr.

Created by the culture icon, Chief Olusegun Olusola and directed by Dejumo Lewis, it 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.

Meanwhile, popular Nigerian comedy skits from Wale Adenuga Productions, Akpan & Oduma Season 5 would start airing as from Monday October 5. The 5 – 10-minute hilarious sitcom details the everyday lives of the two titular characters, Akpan and Oduma, who had travelled from the village to the city in search of quick wealth. It also details the several hilarious situations they get into due to the culture shock, their crooked schemes, their naiveté, as well as the occasional bad luck.

Speaking about the new season, the producer of the comedy skit, Wale Adenuga Jnr., said: “Akpan & Oduma once again takes the duo through several situations and relevant issues which are currently trending across Nigeria and beyond. Seasons 1 – 4 of the show have been well-received on TV and Social Media, particularly Instagram and YouTube, where most episodes, each has millions of views.”

“We are playing our part by using Akpan & Oduma and other edutainment programmes such as the Papa Ajasco brands to spread this much-needed information to different generations of Nigerians through our television and social media platforms,” he added.

According to Adenuga Jnr., the new season features supporting characters including: Chief Olododo, Patoski, Sister Bridget, Brother Shangalo, and Ebubae, along with several guest appearances by prominent celebrities from different parts of the country.

The show is aired at 8:00 – 8:15am on Mondays – Saturdays, and 9:00 – 9:15pm on Mondays – Fridays on wapTV’s extensive network of digital TV providers including: DStv 262, StarTimes 116, GOtv 102, StarSat 189, PlayTV 275, and MyTV.