A University Don, Prof. Kalu Uka, has called on the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), to canvass for the establishment of health insurance scheme for artists in the country.
Uka, a lecturer at the Theatre Arts Department, University of Uyo said this in his remarks at the 2018 NANTAP National Delegates Convention on Friday.
He said that artistes in the country in the course of their jobs were exposed to hazard and therefore required adequate medical care.
According to him, artistes because of their fame sometimes indulge in excessive life style of smoking and drinking at the detriment of their health.
The Professor, who turned 80 today, cautioned artistes against excessive smoking and drinking to stay healthy.
“The artistes must be healthy to perform; there should be health insurance for all artistes to avoid untimely death.
“I like NANTAP to take serious the health condition of artistes. The health of artistes is very important, “Uka said.
The professor also urged artists in the country to put God first to ensure success in their businesses.
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Mr Israel Eboh, National President of NANTAP, said the association’s 2018 National Delegates Convention has its theme as “Productive Health, Family Planning and National Development; The Nigerian Artiste in Promoting a Worthy Cause’’.
Eboh added that this was to remind artistes of their health.
He said that the population of the country was growing geometrically and required government at all levels to put adequate planning in place to ensure enable them cope with the increase.
Eboh said NANTAP had envisaged that population growth was likely going to be a problem in the future.
“As a country we must know that our population is growing every day. What are the plans that we are putting in place so that development will be ahead of this growth?.
“If you look at it population growth means more pressure on electricity, health and educational facilities.
“Are we planning for this growth? If we are not planning for this growth then we are not doing well’’, he said.
He called on government to create awareness and inform citizens on the need to embrace family planning so that the country could achieve the desired results.
According to him, artistes have taken the steps to educate and inform the people on family planning through their performances.
