Footprints of David, stormy, phenomenal

They are the bustling energetic theatrical phenomenon that tears away the musical, poetic and intellectual ordinariness of every concert they perform; a signature that affirms that the theatre tomorrow is secured in the hands of these children.

After an awesome performance at Iju Hills recently, legendary international Nigerian actress, Taiwo Ajayi-Licett (TAL), exclaimed, “We have raised a wonderful generation to succeed us! We have left a great heritage in these children!”

Footprints of David Art Academy is a specialised drama, music, poetry and drum ensembles troupe situated at 8, Arobadade Street, Bariga, Lagos.

Groomed and directed by artistic Director, Seun Awobajo, the children were picked up from different streets and given opportunity to become quality human beings, the director told our correspondent.

“I struggle to keep them in school to give them the opportunity to grow and become really outstanding human beings in different fields of endeavour, like engineers, play-writes, remarkable people, etc.”

Seun recalled the small beginning with some nostalgia. “Most of the children came from very poor homes and are products of very challenging situations.

In 2008, for example, parents of one of them had to leave Lagos to the village because their father had stroke after their house was raised down by fire.

For a long time the children were made to hawk things as petty as polybags, pure water and such like at market places; but with the help of good minded people who believed in our course,

we rallied round to gather these children together and try to make them use their potentials for God’s purpose; and that is why we are called the Footprints of David; that we may give back to God regardless of our society or association.”

Born and raised in Bariga area of Shomolu in Lagos, Seun’s parents hail from Ogun State. A theatre artist fractioned by training, Seun majors in performance and dance.

“In 2005, I developed interest in children theatre and I decided to go into it fully after about five years as private instructor in some private schools where I teach dance and drama.

“Since I have been nursing the dream of children theatre, I thought of securing a government license for the purpose, giving children a platform to channel their energy into something creative because there are lots of talented children in my own ghetto.”

Seun is still in the business of identifying and picking up children with talents in his neighbourhood. “Every day, I see and smell talents in growing children on the streets of Bariga, so I’ll continue to harness these talents and potentials,” he said.