By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, has cautioned against the promotion of evil and negativity by the country’s movie industry.
Olayiwola stated that this is one of the drivers of underage’s quest for quick money, urging movie producers to instead learn from Bollywood, which consistently promotes that evil never goes unpunished.
The commissioner, represented by Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ms Opeyemi Ojo, said this at the inaugural Ibadan Book and Arts Festival held at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, on Saturday, October 24.
He said: “Of late, I have become a friend of Bollywood. I am always watching their films, and there’s something I learnt there—evils never go unpunished. They carved their work in such a way that from the onset, you will know that this person who is doing bad will never make a way out of doing bad.
“I just believe Nollywood would learn something from that; that they should stop promoting evil. They should stop promoting negativity so that a 17-year-old would not be tempted to start looking for money. What does a 17-year-old look for in money? What does he want to do with money?”
The commissioner also emphasised the importance of books and the arts in shaping the world, preserving culture, and promoting literacy and creativity.
He noted that creativity is at the heart of humanity and called for support of all forms of creativity to foster societal growth and development.
Olayiwola said: “This festival is not just an event; it is a meeting point of ideas, cultures, and voices. Books have always been more than ink on paper; they are windows into worlds we may never visit, conversations with minds we may never meet, and lessons that last across generations.
“Through books, we learn, we dream, and we grow. But today, we celebrate not only books but also art. We celebrate the colours, we celebrate the rhythms, and the expressions that bring human experience to life. Art gives shape to what words sometimes cannot capture.
“Together, books and arts create a harmony that speaks directly to the soul, reminding us that creativity is at the very heart of being human. This festival is also a reminder of the importance of preserving our culture, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity in young minds.”
