Ogun Creativity Week: ‘Need to Live,' a story of a blind Nigerian creative, Demola Adeleke set to premiere in Abeokuta
Posted by Ahmed Iyanda | 3 years ago | 1,224 times
Picture taken at the walk for the blind campaign in Abeokuta organized by Creat Naija
As part of activities lined up for the 2021 Ogun Creativity Week , Creat Naija, a team of young vibrant creatives spread across Nigeria set to Premiere ‘Need to Live,’ a compelling story of a Blind Nigerian Creative, Demola Adeleke, on Saturday 31st of July, 2021 at Mayfair Executive, Abeokuta.
The theme for 2021 maiden edition: “Fusing Creativity and Innovation - Ogun State in focus," is aimed at proffering new solutions to existing problems and aiding creatives who have brilliant ideas, and aiding creatives but have neither the way nor means to go about executing them.
In a Press Release signed by Chuks Amahia on behalf of the organizer, said the 3-Day conference, which commences today, would offer a market place exhibition for both young and pro creative vendors to exhibit their products to potential customers, while Saturday will be a showcase of an original Creat! Naija production: “NEED TO LIVE” – with Demola Adeleke (a blind creative) and veteran Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo, as well as a creator’s gala and awards night to foster and appreciate excellence.
“NEED TO LIVE,” a suspense-driven movie is a bittersweet narration of the typical everyday experiences of the blind man. His unsavoury encounters with normal people, discrimination and in some cases, neglect.
“Creat! Naija as a premium tribe of young, vibrant, innovative disruptors aiming to change and impact the global culture through creativity, innovation and technology seeks revamp the creative industry into a role model for other industries when it comes to inclusivity and diversity, which is why we are very concerned about the inclusion of the disabled community,” the statement reads in part.
“The disabled community has always been seen with a negative connotation. Consciously or subconsciously, the industry tends to underrepresent or even go as far as misrepresenting the community and not satisfy their needs.”
"For example, a person who struggles with expressing ideas with words can opt to paint or draw instead to get the message out. “When presented with the chance to create art, a person with developmental disabilities is invited to awaken his or her creative spirit. After viewing a completed piece, the individual may encounter feelings of pride or relief, which for a time may override the dark shadow a disability can cast,” according to a research paper written by Lacie L. West.”
“Trusting my mind to conjure greatness without ever having experienced the aesthetic beauties of this world is an audacious choice I’ve flown with. It helps me see beyond the ordinary without an eyesight. Obviously, I cannot just form images in my retina. My iris is in a perpetual state of rest. I'm leaving it to live in its death. That's another story in itself. I only want you to focus like I do, (Yes, I focus with my mind.) on the beauty of believing. It is no news that not all eyes that look can see. This is part of my story and beyond. I may have lost sight, but I've maintained my vision,” he said.
