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Ibrahim Chatta set the atmosphere ablaze with his appearance at the University of Ilorin’s Second Cultural Day Festival, organised by the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts.
Dressed in a flowing white agbada with a matching Senegalese cap, the actor was received with loud cheers and admiration from students and other attendees.
He opened his remarks on a humorous note, saying, “Òní yìí ni mo ṣẹ̀sẹ̀ gba pé ilé ẹ̀kọ́ kì í ṣe scam,” meaning, “It’s today I actually believe that school is not a scam.”
Chatta introduced himself as a product of a diverse cultural background, with a Kwara Nupe father and a Yoruba (Modakeke) father. According to him, this blend of cultures has greatly enriched his cultural and ethnic identity.
While encouraging young people to embrace and preserve their cultural heritage, he expressed regret over not completing his formal Western education, having dropped out of secondary school.
Despite this, he delivered an insightful lecture on African culture, with particular emphasis on Nigeria’s rich traditions.
“Our culture and norms are against the common get-rich-quick syndrome; they emphasise hard work, dedication, and due process,” he said.
He further highlighted Africa’s historical contributions, noting that during the medieval era, African societies promoted sanitary practices and irrigation farming.
He also spoke about the strength of communal living in Yoruba culture, where children are collectively raised and cared for.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Chatta revealed that success did not come easily. “I worked as a bus conductor in Lagos for eight years, sold buns for three years, and did several other menial jobs,” he said.
Due to the overwhelming crowd of students eager to take selfies with him, the actor had to be escorted out through a back entrance.
Highlight of the festival was the various traditional dance by cultural groups and, chats and drums beats.
