- By Precious Godwin
The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) held its third graduation ceremony recently, at the Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, themed Celebrating Creative Transformations, marked a significant milestone for the academy, with over 8,000 graduates from Lagos, Ogun, and Kano states attending both in person and virtually. The ceremony, which began at 10 a.m., was held in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation.
Founded by renowned theatre director Bolanle Austen Peters, TAFTA is committed to addressing the gender imbalance in Nigeria’s creative sector while bridging crucial skills gaps. Peters reflected on the remarkable growth of TAFTA, having impacted over 30,000 graduates to date. “I want to thank the Mastercard Foundation for their continued investment in the future of young creatives, you are not just recipients of an education, but creators of change in your communities and the world at large.” She stated.
Austen Peters emphasized the transformative power of the arts and encouraged the graduates to use their newfound skills to challenge injustice and inspire positive change in society. “Every great name begins with a blank page.” She said, drawing attention to the importance of creativity in tackling societal challenges.
Country Director, Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn, praised TAFTA’s commitment to advancing inclusive creative education. She noted the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy and the role the graduates would play in shaping it. The potential of the creative sector to contribute $15 billion to the economy by 2025 was emphasized, and to create 2.7 million jobs, alongside the importance of empowering women and people with disabilities. Rosy Fynn urged the graduates to use their voices and skills to drive change and stand out in their industries.
The event featured performance by the participants, in a theatrical presentation that addressed crucial issues like sexual harassment, violence against women, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. The performance received applaud and underscored the graduates’ commitment to using their craft to spark meaningful conversations and drive change.
Veteran actor and writer, Bimbo Manuel congratulated the graduates and shared lessons from his own journey. “I wasn’t taught how to write. I had to learn it because acting jobs don’t come every day,” he said. Manuel stressed that the creative industry rewards skill, not certificates.
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“This is not a certificate industry. It is performance that counts. Be so good they choose you first,” he advised. He also urged the graduates to build integrity and keep their word, as trust and professionalism are key to long-term success.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Bamike Olawunmi Adenibuyan, popularly known as Bam Bam, as TAFTA’s ambassador. Reflecting on her journey from auditioning on the Terra Academy stage to achieving success in the entertainment industry, she encouraged the graduates to stay authentic, work diligently, seize every opportunity and leverage platforms like social media to showcase their work. Her message to the graduates was clear: remain true to yourselves and never diminish your passion or talents for anyone.
Her Royal Majesty, Olori Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola, wife of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, also graced the event. She emphasized the importance of empowering women, calling it a crucial step toward empowering entire nations. Olori Matemilola advocated for equity, urging that women be provided with the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates by the TAFTA Academy Lead, Mr. Joseph Umoibom, and other distinguished dignitaries. In his closing remarks, Umoibom congratulated the graduates, thanked the Mastercard Foundation for their support, and wished all attendees success in their future careers.
TAFTA’s graduation ceremony highlighted the academy’s ongoing efforts to nurture creative talent and foster inclusivity within Nigeria’s growing creative industry.
