Activities of NGOs under scrutiny in Globacom’s TV drama series

Bimbo Akintola

The proliferation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Nigeria is something many in society have expressed concern about. While many of such organizations are indeed genuine, some others have, through their activities, left people wondering the real motive behind their establishment.

In this week’s episode of Globacom’s hilarious and educational TV drama series, Professor Johnbull, the practice of setting up dubious  or fake NGOs for the sole purpose of making money comes under scrutiny.

The edition is entitled N.G.O. and will air on Sunday on DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2 at 6.00 p.m., with repeat broadcasts on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. on the cable TV channels and on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Anambra Broadcasting Service shows the programme at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

Globacom said in a statement released in Lagos on Friday that N.G.O "is an exposition of the fraud which goes on in society as some dishonest members of the public, taking advantage of the humanitarian successes recorded by some genuine NGOs, establish fake ones with the sole aim of ripping people off".

The company asserted that "the delivery by the cast and crew of the series gives the episode a new touch of reality as viewers will find N.G.O. full of suspense", and urged television viewers to tune in to any of the stated channels to watch the show.

The cast of the series including Kanayo O. Kanayo (Professor Johnbull), Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), Mai Doya (Funky Mallam), Ufoma, (Bimbo Akintola), Nje (Angela Okorie), Jeroboam (Osita Iheme), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe), Abadnego (Martins Nebo) and Samson (Ogus Baba) all try to define what real NGOs are.

Why does Samson, aka Original, think that NGO is Nnaa Give Original? How does the collaborative effort of Flash  and Jeroboam to establish an NGO pan out? Who gives Mai Doya a brand new wheelbarrow for his hawking business? Is Professor Johnbull's submission that the existence of fake NGOs equivalent to using reggae to spoil blues apt in the episode? Viewers will find out as they savour the sensational episode.