Encomium
ON Sunday, May 24, 2015, brilliant actress cum film maker, Foluke Daramola-Salako launched her much publicized movie, Cobwebs. The twin event also featured the unveiling of her foundation, Passion Against Rape in Africa (PARA). However, against the impression in some quarters that it wasn’t colourful as expected due to the absence of about five first ladies billed to add glamour and weight to the occasion, the talented role interpreter said the show was a huge success. And she would forever be grateful to God for it. She told ENCOMIUM Weekly this and few other things in a phone chat on Sunday, May 31, 2015.
On Sunday, May 24, 2015, your much publicized movie, Cobwebs, was finally launched and your foundation, Passion Against Rape in Africa (PARA), was also unveiled. How would you assess the twin event?
I thank God it was a huge success apart from the hitches caused by the acute fuel scarcity which affected almost all the shows in Lagos State that day. But still at that, the turn-out was fantastic and impressive. So, I thank God for everything.
But we learnt all the first ladies that would have made the event more colourful were conspicuously absent which made some people adjudge it a flop. What’s your comment on this?
Yes, most of them were absent but they sent representatives. And that was due to the fact that there were so many events that same day. But the former first lady of Lagos State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu came in later. She went for the birthday of the present governor’s mom. By the time she came in, we had rounded off the event. Also, when the State of Osun first lady, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola called to ask about her coming to the venue, we told her the event had ended. To be honest, it didn’t affect the event in any way. So, it was a huge success. The crowd was massive and with quality guests. I give God the glory. And I am using this medium to say a big thank you to all that believed in the project and contributed in whatever measure to the success of it all.
Would you say the motive behind the show was accomplished?
The purpose of the event was to impact the average woman psychologically, emotionally and even financially. I want the common woman on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria and Africa to understand that rape is real and not a mirage. And to a large extent, I was able to achieve that. And don’t forget the fact that anything foundation is a continuous process and this event is definitely going to be an annual one. Also, PARA is not about parties and razzmatazz alone but we intend to start having rape awareness crusades in all local governments and states in Nigeria as well. And we’re likely to start the crusade in Kogi State. PARA is a foundation that’s more of advocacy. We believe we don’t need to have millions of naira to make the difference and impact and because we know we’re still going to the grassroots through the states. We know we need the support of the first ladies. So, even though they weren’t present physically, they sent representatives and also supported with whatever they could for the improvement of the cause we believe. And to a large extent, some of the victims of rape were around and we got at least over 20 people that have experienced this heinous incident and shared their experiences. Even, after sharing their experiences, they felt better because a problem shared is always half solved. And just as I said, it’s a continual process. So, we’re still on course.
What were the major highlights of the occasion that perhaps made it an unforgettable one?
One of the major highlights was when PARA’s poem and documentary were showcased. Also, the victims were brought out and I saw the real emotions of people being felt. Also, the fact that I was able to achieve bringing Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Alhaji Saidi Osupa to perform at the event was a major plus because almost everyone thought it was impossible. I thank God I was able to achieve it. I can’t thank them enough for the honour they accorded me. I believe it’s God that will reward them abundantly.
