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“From a tender age, it has always been my passion to be educated” Actor Lala
Nollywood Actor, Muyideen Oladapo, Popularly known as Lala, who recently bagged a Master’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos reveals that his goal has always being to get good education despite the incapability of his parents.
Speaking in an interview, Lala stated that he had always had the passion to be well educated since childhood. He said, “From a tender age, it has always been my passion to be educated. My parents never had the opportunity to send my siblings to school but they ensured that we acquired skills to put food on our table.
But I was not happy, especially when I saw my mates passing by the workshop where I learnt how to repair motorcycle. But at some point, I became resolute to go back to school, not minding that I had to start from enrolling for the secondary school certificate examination.
My success at that after two trials spurred me to take the Universities Matriculation Examination. I was eventually admitted into the Obafemi Awolowo University, where I bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Arts in 2015. After that, I became determined to go for my second degree and I am delighted that dream has come to pass.”
On how he felt sitting in class with younger students, the actor admitted that it was tough. He said, “The process was tough because it was not easy for me. I initially wanted to enroll for the Master’s degree in 2018 but I did not pass the entrance examination. However, I was not discouraged, and I put in for it again in 2019. As God would have it, I passed the entrance examination and the rest is history. I have never been discouraged, even when I returned to secondary school as an adult.
“I was happy to mingle with my classmates. I was delighted when I realised I was classmates with Gboyega Akosile, the media aide to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; a veteran actor, Hilda Dokubo, and some other notable personalities.”
The actor also stated that he believed that his new achievement would open more doors for him in his career. He said, “I thank God for the grace to raise my brand from a mere lout people think I am because of the roles I portrayed in movies. There is more to me now.”
Advising other colleagues who may want to get degrees but are feeling discouraged, Lala said, “I know my story will be a great inspiration to others. I have seen the signs. Mind you, I am not flexing muscles about this because I see it as a rare privilege. I want to urge everyone, both young and old, especially those who have passion for academics to ignore shame and mockery, and go for their goals.”
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have disclosed details of their recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the engagement focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification came amid speculation surrounding the meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after leaders of several opposition parties attended an Iftar dinner hosted by the president earlier in the week.
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Speaking during a gathering hosted in Abuja by the SDP’s former presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the meeting with Tinubu followed an official invitation from the Presidency and lasted about an hour.
According to Gombe, the discussion centred on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral laws and restore public confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for party leaders to remind the president of the importance of conducting transparent, free, and credible elections.
Gombe noted that democracy can only thrive when governments listen to the concerns of citizens and ensure electoral processes that guarantee fairness and accountability.
The SDP chairman also expressed concern over growing voter apathy, pointing to the low turnout recorded in the recent Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the Abuja Municipal Area Council election witnessed only about seven per cent voter turnout, which he described as a clear sign that many Nigerians are losing confidence in the electoral system.
Gombe urged the government and members of the National Assembly to take urgent steps to review electoral laws and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said political parties used the meeting to raise concerns about aspects of proposed electoral reforms, particularly issues related to indirect primaries and the mandatory electronic transmission of results.
Dantalle explained that the parties appealed to the president to use his influence to encourage legislative review where necessary, noting that reforms should strengthen, rather than complicate, the democratic process.
He expressed optimism that Tinubu would consider the concerns raised and support necessary amendments that would improve the electoral system.
The IPAC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines as preparations for the next election cycle begin.
Earlier in his remarks, Adebayo cautioned political actors against turning the 2027 general elections into a do-or-die contest, stressing that the primary goal of democracy should be the progress and stability of Nigeria rather than personal political victories.
He urged leaders across political parties to encourage citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.
President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele during his nomination on Wednesday.
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