The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism, integrity, and hard work as essential values for national development.

Speaking after the three-day performance of Prof. Femi Osofisan’s iconic play Once Upon Four Robbers at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering societal change through the arts.

“We are proud to support this production,” Soneye said. “Thank you, Prof. Femi Osofisan, for a story that entertains and inspires. The play reinforces the message that change begins with each of us. At NNPCL, we believe that integrity, responsibility, and patriotism are the bedrock of a better society and a stronger nation.”

Soneye emphasized the play’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Change Begins with Me campaign, stating that it underscores the need for personal accountability. He also commended the cast, crew, and audience for their dedication to bringing the story to life.

“We are grateful to the creative team for their outstanding work and to the audience for embracing this important message,” he added. “NNPCL will continue to support initiatives that inspire positive societal transformation.”

Prof. Femi Osofisan expressed his gratitude for the ongoing relevance of his decades-old play. “I am always surprised by the enduring topicality of Once Upon Four Robbers,” he said. “The themes of morality, reform, and personal responsibility remain as pressing today as when I first wrote it.”

The play’s director, Dire Badejo, shared insights into the creative process, describing the production as a reflection on Nigeria’s societal challenges. “This story is a lens through which we can examine critical issues,” Badejo explained. “I hope it inspires the audience to think critically and embrace change.”

Badejo also praised NNPCL’s support for making the production feasible. “Thanks to NNPCL, we overcame financial and logistical hurdles. Their intervention was a game-changer for us,” he said.

The performance featured an impressive cast, including celebrated actors like Tunji Sotimirin, Francis Onwoche, Ropo Ewenla, Bukky Ogunnote, and Yemi Shodimu. Following its successful Abuja run, the production is set to captivate audiences at Lagos’ Muson Centre this weekend.