Encomium
Professor Johnbull, popular TV drama series sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom, this week condemns the discrimination of people with special genetic features including albinism, dwarfism and autism. The situation comedy insists that such people did not choose their genes and so, should not face societal condemnation of any sort.
As usual, the lead character in the series, Professor Johnbull, played by Nollywood great, Kanayo O. Kanayo condemns in unmistakable terms the ugly trend of discrimination against albinos, sufferers of autism, dwarfism and such other natural but undesirable health conditions while Executive Producer of the drama series, Globacom, said in a press statement in Lagos that the “new episode aptly titled ‘Not One of Us’ is a wakeup call to all on the need for us to show not just respect to those with genetic flaws, but to most importantly regard them as normal human beings and accord them the decent treatment they deserve”.
According to the network, “Professor Johnbull has in the last one year assumed the enviable role of the conscience of the society, treating one topical and moral issue after the other. The essence of the sitcom is to, at all times, stir the consciousness of society to the ills prevalent in our clime” and assured viewers that “they will find the episode emotional, challenging and, more importantly, educating, as the crew collectively disabuse the misconceptions surrounding the physically challenged in society”.
Aside from Kanayo, the drama also features Mercy Johnson-Okojie(Caro); the restaurateur, Yomi Fash-Lanso(Olaniyi); Bidemi Kosoko(Jumoke); Ogus Baba(Samson) and Stephen Odimgbe(Flash) among others. “Not One of Us” throws up posers bordering on the correlation between genetic flaws, mental coordination and social acceptability.
Is a man’s intellectual ability affected by the frame of his body? Do dwarfs and albinos possess magical powers as popular old wives’ tales would want us believe? Does Flash have any positive values as opposed to his rascally nature? These posers and more will be unravelled by the engaging sitcom.
Professor Johnbull is set in the Coal City of Enugu and is a series of stories woven round a retired cerebral scholar, Professor Johnbull Macnwigwe who lives with his son, daughter and housemaid in a neighbourhood where he is revered as the voice and conscience of the people who are quick to congregate in his house to resolve knotty issues of morality and good conduct. It is produced by one of Nollywood’s best producers, Tchidi Chikere.
The drama airs at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes, with repeat broadcasts at 8.30 p.m. on Friday on the same channels.
