Written By Daniel Karlmax; Edited By Godwin Duru
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Space 2000 Productions Nigeria, Ms. Ruth Sarah Sankey, has underscored the importance of documenting history and preserving the legacies of cultural icons, saying it is vital for safeguarding Nigeria’s artistic and national heritage.
Sankey made the remarks in Kaduna during the centenary celebration of the late French-Nigerian writer, playwright and philanthropist, Pierre Eugene Meunier, the founder of Space 2000 Productions Nigeria.
Sankey said preserving historical records ensures that future generations appreciate the contributions of individuals whose lives transformed society through art, education and culture.
She described Meunier as a visionary who devoted over five decades of his life to Nigeria, using literature, theatre and philanthropy to empower young people and strengthen cultural ties between France and Nigeria.
“What he really wanted was to live and die here in Nigeria. He was a prolific writer and philanthropist who believed in me and invested in me.
He established Space 2000, bought this land with his own resources, built this edifice and entrusted me with the responsibility of sustaining his legacy,” she said.
According to Sankey, Meunier’s contributions extended beyond theatre, noting that he single-handedly funded the establishment of Alliance Française in maiduguri, supported the development of performing arts departments in tertiary institutions, particularly in Maiduguri, sponsored productions of other playwrights and funded the education of more than 30 vulnerable Nigerian students up to master’s degree level.
She said the late writer adopted Nigeria as his home and dedicated his life to promoting cultural understanding through literature and drama.
Sankey explained that Space 2000 was established as a centre where young people could develop their creative talents while promoting education, culture and community development through the performing arts.
Also speaking at the event, literary enthusiast Mr. Zuwahu Emmanuel stressed the need for deliberate documentation of Nigeria’s cultural history, warning that poor record-keeping could result in the loss of the nation’s collective memory.
“Documentation is very important. People have to take it very seriously. Look at our museums, monuments and historical sites. Many people no longer know why places bear certain names or the stories behind them because we have failed to preserve our history,” he said.
Emmanuel noted that preserving historical records helps strengthen national identity and ensures that future generations understand the significance of past events and cultural landmarks.
He expressed optimism that the centenary celebration would mark a rebirth of artistic activities at Space 2000 and inspire a new generation of creatives to continue the vision established by Pierre Eugene Meunier.
Delivering a tribute, Kaduna-based arts enthusiast James Sarki described Meunier as “French by birth but Nigerian by heart,” saying his life demonstrated how art can shape society and strengthen cultural bonds.
Sarki said Meunier dedicated more than five decades to promoting French-Nigerian cultural relations through literature, poetry and theatre, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Space 2000, which continues to nurture young creatives in Kaduna and beyond.
He noted that although Meunier died in 2011, his vision remains alive through the institution he founded and the many artists whose careers were inspired by his commitment to creativity and cultural development.
The centenary celebration attracted theatre practitioners, writers, artists, academics and admirers who paid tribute to Meunier’s enduring contributions to literature, theatre, education and cultural exchange, describing his legacy as one that continues to inspire creative expression and preserve the rich heritage of Nigerian storytelling.
Some of his literary works included , the Magic Algaita, Baobab and the other rhymes, Praise singers, Rabeh and the scramble for the Chad Basin among others including Chiyelu.
