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At RADISSON Blu, Ikeja, LAGOS
On Wednesday 18th October, 2023 members of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) organised a program at the Nnamdi Azikwe Hall, Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos titled the Unveiling of the Tampan Welfare Foundation. The Global President of TAMPAN, Otunba Bolaji Amusan, well known as Mr Latin and Mrs Rose Odika the Deputy National President and many of the Veterans were there, like Mrs Lanre Hassan well known as Iya Awero, Otunba Adebayo Salami, Pa Ojo Olowojolu, Alhaja Fausat Balogun well known as Madam Saje, Elder Ebenezer Tubosun Odunsin, the Governor of TAMPAN in Ondo State, Mr Bashorun Aderemi Kampala, the Governor of TAMPAN in Ogun State, Mr Owolabi Ajasa, Governor of TAMPAN in Lagos State, Mr Dele Ayobiojo, the Governor of TAMPAN in Oyo State, Yeye Bose Akinola, Mr Dada Olasunkanmi, Honorable Babatunde Aremu, Mr Najimu Adisa.
The people that were honoured as the Patrons and Patronesses of the foundation are; Alhaji Chief Lanre Akanni Mohammed (LAMEX), Cardinal James Odunmbaku (MFR) represented by Abbas Ahmed and Mr Ibitoye Babatunde, Dr Mrs Tolulola Bayode, the founder Dorian Home Foundation is represented by Mr Ogunleye Oluwaniyi, Dr Steven Omobamidele Agbi and Otunba Oluwatobi Abiola FCA. The program started with prayers from Elder Ebenezer Tunbosun Odunsin and followed by national anthem. The Master of ceremony Mr Adeolu Olugboyega, recognized the Global President of TAMPAN Otunba Bolaji Amusan and Mrs Rose Odika the Deputy National President, Board of Trustees (BOT), the executives, the TAMPAN Governor of different States that were present and the guests .
The Deputy National President, Mrs Rose Odika who is the chairperson of the committee for the foundation came to the podium to introduce the Committee members and gave kudos to them all for a job well done. The Global President of TAMPAN Otunba Bolaji Amusan gave his opening speech, and he explained the reason of the gathering. He said the purpose of the unveiling TAMPAN Welfare Foundation was to help 200 veteran elders in Nollywood from age 60 upward that have lasted more than 40 years in the movie industry. It is meant for their health care, upkeep and empowerment and make sure at least they have a better life as is often projected in the movie.
The Guest Speaker talked about his love for TAMPAN and his respect for the Global President Otunba Bolaji Amusan a.k.a Mr Latin. He went on to talk about the TAMPAN Welfare Foundation by using an illustration his father told him when he was young that there are 3 UPs; to STAND UP, to SPEAK UP and to SHUT UP. He proceeded by saying TAMPAN has STOOD UP for the elderly veterans in Nollywood to give them a better life and to cater to their medical health issues and they are SPEAKING UP on their behalf for people’s support and donations. He ended his speech by saying I think I’ve made my father proud by recognizing the 3 UPs and now he will SHUT UP.
After then the unveiling of TAMPAN Welfare Foundation was done, TAMPAN Welfare Foundation motto: a shoulder to lean on was done. Her major goals is to improve welfare and better working environment for members to strive, comprehensive health insurance scheme for members, welfare package for the elderly, and sensitization workshop. They proceeded to honor the patrons and patronesses for this great foundation; Alhaji Chief Lanre Akanni Mohammed (LAMEX), Cardinal James Odunmbaku MFR represented by Abbas Ahmed and Mr Ibitoye Babatunde, Dr Mrs Tolulola Bayode the founder Dorian Home Foundation is represented by Mr Ogunleye Oluwaniyi, Dr Steven Omobamidele Agbi and Otunba Oluwatobi Abiola FCA. A real estate agency Dr Steven Omobamidele Agbi as the CEO of As Wonder Properties Limited promised to look into how the old veterans can own a house of their choice, and the global President of TAMPAN Otunba Bolaji Amusan responded by saying that TAMPAN will love to partner with AS Wonder Properties Limited. Many more of pledges cannot be mentioned and more to be expected from the lovers to Nollywood actors and people that are supporting Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Practitioners Association Of Nigeria (TAMPAN)
The Global President of TAMPAN appreciated the committee bodies for the relentless effort and the support which has been there for TAMPAN from day one. Thereafter Pa Ajobiewe the king of Ewi came on stage to eulogize the guests and they enjoyed themselves. Later the committee celebrated the global President of TAMPAN Otunba Bolaji Amusan for his birthday and he was given a frame and cake beautifully designed with Mr Latin written on it.
Mr. Latin revealed why TAMPAN decided to set up the TAMPAN Welfare Foundation.
In a career where there is no pension for its workers, there must be a way of safeguarding the aged legends in the industry (Association) Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria TAMPAN is an embodiment of different content creators across the states in Nigeria and Overseas.
Over the years there have been high levels of health challenges with the aging actors who obviously are out of strength to work. Inadequate and irregular welfare benefits are deleterious to artists and discourage productivity in arts organizations. Consequently most artists live well on screen and stage in contrasts to their real life situation and public expectations, therefore it becomes imperative to do something about the situation.
Now, the Association (TAMPAN) took it upon herself to make life better for the legends thereby giving room for the birth of the Welfare foundation. Tampan welfare foundation was created to articulate genuine modalities for sustaining welfare and guarantee optimum comfort and well being for members.
Members’ health and welfare are paramount to the leadership of this association and that is why we as an association they are looking at starting with 200 elders with a year’s health insurance for them as a movement for a better future. This health insurance is free of charge and the two hundred elders will not need to pay any amount to access this laudable scheme.
According to Mr. Latin: “This programme has taken thoughtful planning and now I can tell you it is a reality. The Insurance Company is on ground to begin the computation of the names as part of the first stage. We have hit the ground running and trust me we will make this work. Our members’ health and welfare will take a huge improvement.
Let me use this medium to congratulate and welcome on board our New Patrons and Patroness of the foundation. We appreciate you all for coming to our aid in this time of need. Thank you for honouring us and we believe together we can make a new history in the wellness of film practitioners in our Association and industry at large.”
“We equally implore the young ones among us to value their health and be committed to the Association so they too can reap the benefits of this Association. Your future starts today is an idea for everyone to come to the understanding that nothing lasts forever, so the little drop of water makes a mighty ocean. We should all learn to save for tomorrow from today. The young shall also benefit from this insurance health scheme at a most subsidized rate. ”
“The association under our Leadership has taken a positive turn, we have many success stories and we still aim to achieve more. Like I promised, ‘an industry we will all be proud of’. This can only be possible with your unwavering support. We, the National Executives, cannot do this without your support both in cash and in kind.”
“Aside from soliciting help to fund this foundation, we are also here today to open the minds of both the young and old to the opportunities they can lay hold on while in active service. We hope this event will position our minds to be forward thinking. The future is in our hands and we have to grab this with both hands. This is the Association God has blessed us with, let us not bring it down with our words or actions. Let us cherish it, build it and nurture it.”
“May I also add, this is just our starting point, we will move round the whole 36 states to solicit the needed funds in actualizing the dream of this welfare foundation God willing the future is really bright. And I’m here to tell you, the future is now.
Welcome to the bright future.”
–Olusola Abiodun
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