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Tag: NANTAP

  • NANTAP wants National Theatre back

    NANTAP wants National Theatre back

    The president of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Makinde Adeniran has made a case for the return of National Theatre to its stakeholders. In a special session he has had with artists, stakeholders, thespians and administrators in charge of the sector Adeniran and his team made it clear that National Theatre is for Nigerians. His idea is that the status quo must be maintained for artists to have a place to create, relax and contribute to the growth of the economy. He made these clear in this interview with Edozie Udeze.

    As the new National President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) what are your programmes for the association?

    As the new National President of NANTAP, my key programmes focus on repositioning the association as a vital force in nation-building through advocacy, professional development, and infrastructural growth. We are working towards establishing a national secretariat—NANTAP House—creating more platforms for capacity building, deepening collaboration with government and private sectors, and amplifying the voice of Nigerian theatre practitioners both locally and globally.

    The heat to return National Theatre to stakeholders is on. What is the position of NANTAP on this matter?

    NANTAP strongly supports the call to return the National Theatre to its rightful stakeholders—the artists and cultural practitioners, though we support the intervention of the financial institutions because we believe we are all stakeholders in building a rewarding culture and arts ecosystem. As a symbol of Nigeria’s cultural identity, it should serve its original purpose as a hub for artistic creation and performance. We advocate for inclusive management that prioritizes the creative community and ensures the space remains accessible, functional, and true to its founding vision.

    Is the theatre sector, in your reckoning, as vibrant as it is supposed to be?

    The theatre sector has shown resilience and creativity, but it is not as vibrant as it ought to be. Structural challenges, inadequate funding, and limited infrastructure continue to hinder its full potential. However, with the right support, policy attention, and stakeholder collaboration, Nigerian theatre can thrive and take its rightful place as a major contributor to national development.

    In your assessment so far, is the creative sector availing artists the real opportunity to create?

    Not fully. While there is growing interest in the creative sector, many artists still face limitations due to insufficient funding, lack of infrastructure, and inconsistent policy support. The potential is immense, but more intentional investment and enabling environments are needed to truly empower artists to create freely and sustainably.

    Read Also: Unions demand reopening of National Theatre

    When National Theatre finally returns to stakeholders what do you expect government to do to keep it afloat?

    When the National Theatre returns to stakeholders, we expect the government to provide consistent funding, ensure proper maintenance, and establish a collaborative management framework with practitioners. It should also create policies that promote programming, training, and access—so the Theatre becomes a vibrant, self-sustaining hub for cultural expression and national pride.

    It is time to extend NANTAP activities to other parts of Nigeria. What do you think about this?

    NANTAP is already in 21 states in Nigeria. The affiliate guilds of Nantap are equally spread across Nigeria and in the diaspora that are beginning to show great interest. We are committed to strengthening state chapters, supporting grassroots initiatives, and ensuring that every region feels the impact of our work in promoting culture, creativity, and professional excellence.

    Is there any plan of cooperation between the screen and the stage during your tenure?

    Yes, there has always been. We recognize the power of synergy between the stage and the screen especially for the economic strength of the practitioners. NANTAP will actively continue to foster collaborations that bridge both worlds—through joint projects, training opportunities, and festivals—so practitioners can explore new forms of expression and expand their reach across platforms. When NANTAP was registered 35 years ago under the Land Perpetual Act of 1960, it covered the entire arts and entertainment practitioners and culture workers who are willing in being member of a professional body of practitioners.

  • NANTAP positions theatre to drive civic engagement

    NANTAP positions theatre to drive civic engagement

    National President National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Mr Israel Eboh has said the forthcoming national delegates convention of the association will provide a robust platform to explore, debate, and expand the role of the performing arts in national development.

    He said the theme of the convention:  “Theatre, Politics, and National Development” could not be more relevant at this time in the nation’s history.

    “As we navigate the complexities of governance and democracy, it is imperative to recognise the critical role of theatre and the arts in shaping national consciousness, driving civic engagement, and influencing policies,” he said..

    Eboh  spoke in Lagos while unveiling the activities for the convention.

    He   disclosed that the convention tagged, “ Eko 2024”, will hold in multiple venues in Lagos between February 18 and 22, and will attract theatre professionals, scholars, policymakers, stakeholders, from across the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT.

    Eboh said activities for the five- day event include captivating performances that will showcase of Nigeria’s finest theatrical productions, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and harnessing the power of storytelling for change; workshops that will be facilitated by renowned industry veterans to equip practitioners with cutting-edge skills in scriptwriting, directing, acting, stage design, and digital theatre innovations; and thought-provoking discussions/ seminars to engage conversations on how theatre can be leveraged as a tool for political engagement, governance, and socio-economic transformation.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Kuwait to sign MoUs on bilateral ties

    Other activities are networking sessions and the prestigious Awards Night where some thespians will be honoured for their significant contributions to the growth of theatre and the creative industry.

    Eko 2024 convention was originally scheduled to hold last year December but for other national cultural events that coincided with the dates forced the association to shift it to this year. However, this year’s own will still hold in December to usher in a new executive that will steer the ship of the association for the next four years.

    The venues for the activities are National Theat, Glover Memorial Hall, Freedom Park, and John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

  • NANTAP inducts Zebrudaya, Oga Bello, Samanja as fellows

    Renowned thespians Usman Baba Pategi aka Samanja and Chika Okpala aka Zebrudaya were among notable actors inducted as fellows of theatre arts by the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), at a dinner at Planet One, Maryland Lagos.

    Also inducted were Otunba Adebayo Salami aka Oga Bello, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, Omolara Akinsola, Kevin Ushi and Adesewo Fayaman Bay.

    Okpala was a pioneer cast of the now-rested TV serial The Masquerade, which hit the airwaves in the early seventies.

    NANTAP Interim President Mr. Israel Eboh said within two months of assuming office, the association has encouraged chapters to grow and own the territory by localising their activities for their numerical and empowerment growth. This, he said, led to the birth of two new chapters and reawakening of three others in three states for the first time in over ten years jostling to host the next national convention.

    “We have moved the association back into being a main player amongst associations and guilds in the sector. This has seen us take on a moe active role alongside eleven other guilds and associations in giving birth to the first all-inclusive and most affordable welfare package ever put together by practitioners today known as Nollycare incorporating health, insurance and pension. What we at NANTAP call HIP Continuation,” he added.

    He described the investiture and induction as a step towards putting in place a strong and sound structure to help sustain and strengthen ‘these efforts by finally and formally inducting all fellows into the prestigious body of fellows.’ Eboh noted that with this body in place, ‘we believe the association would have the benefit of drawing from the wealth of experiences of our distinguished fellows, their connections and above all, their invaluable advisory over sight functions.’

    Responding on behalf of the newly inducted fellows, DrAyakoroma who expressed joy to be part of the great family commended the efforts of the association saying, ‘I thank you on behalf of the new fellows.’

    The induction ceremony was conducted by former Deputy Vice  Chancellor Management Services, University of Lagos, Prof Duro Oni and attended by actors such as Ben Tomoloju; Dejumo Lewis; Mahmoud Alli-Balogun; Tade Adekunle; Abiodun Abe; Alhaji Teju Kareem; JahmanAnikulapo; Oluwasolape Onayiga; Edmond Enaibe; Gregory Odutayo; Charles Ukpong; Francis Onwochei and Pamela Udoka, among others.

     

  • NANTAP inaugurates body of fellows

    NANTAP inaugurates body of fellows

    The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) will today induct its Fellows into the Body of Fellows (BoF), the highest advisory body of the association.

    The event will hold at Planet One, Maryland, Lagos.

    Also at the ceremony, three outstanding veterans of the theatre profession, Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known as Samanja; Alhaji Adebayo Salami, (Oga Bello), and Chief Chika Okpala (MFR), alias Zebrudaya along other prominent practitioners would on the same day be Invested as Fellows for their contributions to the practice and business of theatre.

    NANTAP President, Israel Eboh (fta) said that “honouring those who are deserving of honour in the profession is a sure way to encourage others to also give their best.”

    NANTAP is the umbrella body of all theatre and allied arts practitioners in Nigeria with twenty six (26) branches spread across the country and the Body of Fellows comprises practitioners who have reached the peak of their career in theatre practice and, or administration and are designated as Distinguished Fellows of Theatre Art (FTA)

  • NANTAP to honour practitioners

    NANTAP to honour practitioners

    The celebration of World Theatre Day is an opportunity to draw attention to the arts and culture sector, chairperson of the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Lagos chapter Ms Eki Eboigbe, has said.

    She spoke with arts writers at a briefing in Lagos. She explained that the celebration which would have held on March 27 was shifted to June 26due to the exigency of election in the country.

    She said the celebration would be in tandem with the globally theme, Celebrating people behind the scene of theatre. This, she said, madeNANTAP Lagos chapter to adapt Theatre and Conflict Resolution in the 21st Century as its theme.

    Among those to be honoured are founder of Terra Culture Centre Mrs Bolanle Austen Peters, Teju Babyface, Femi Odugbemi, Yemi Shodimu, Mrs Laja Adedoyin, Debon Lexandra and Dr Osita Ezewanebe for their contributions to the sector.

    Chairman Planning Committee of World Theatre Day, Shaibu Hussein stressed that since 1991, the celebration has been used by NANTAP to call attention to the theatre and advocate a more sustainable policy for theatre in the country.

    “We felt that we could use theatre to resolve political, economic and religious conflict so also can it be used to proffer solution to the problems in Nigeria,” he said.

    He noted that Bolanle Austen Peters has been chosen to be recognised and celebrated as the ITD personality of the year due to her inestimable contribution and commitment towards theatre in the country as well as other genres of art. “So also has she provided space through her terra culture and has funded a production that featured about one hundred and twenty members of NANTAP,” he said.

    Shaibu said two sets of people would be recognised during the celebration. They are the ambassador and certified practitioners for the Nollywood industry, adding that their contributions of people like Don Pedro Obaseki, Ejike Azogwu, Rita Dominic helped in the smooth take-off of Nollywood.

    He disclosed that on the celebration day, the association would work on the start-up of an Endowment Fund for the theatre profession, noting that  as it would help fund projects and render aids to theatre practitioners with challenges on the field.

    He said community theatre project would only come to reality only if the endowment fund is in place and once it is started, it would be encouraged at the national level because the country doesn’t have an Endowment fund for the art which has made it look as if when money is given to the art it looks like a token.

    “We know that theatre has a lot of roles to play in the area of uniting this country, creation of job which interestingly is one thing the incumbent president is interested in. We are rest assured that if we set up theatre in the 774 local governments, it would create job opportunities like carpentry, set designing, light designing, make-up artiste, props managing, etc for the youths as well as people in the community. When government invest in theatre art, it would assist in curtailing unemployment in the society; we have a new government of change so what we hope for is that most of those things we are hoping to do would be changed for the better as theatre practitioners and performing artistes,” he said.

     

     

  • ‘Why we are reviving community theatre’

    ‘Why we are reviving community theatre’

    Charles Ukpong has come a long way as an artiste. A former Secretary – General of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), he is one of the very few artistes who had shown interest in community theatre where he has indeed proved his mettle. He is currently working on a project to bring back theatre for development on the streets and market places in many cities and villages in the country. He spoke to Edozie Udeze on this and more

    harles Ukpong is not only a former Secretary General of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), he is one of the most vibrant artistes who has been working round the clock to keep the sector on its toes.  A screen and stage expert, he have been involved in many productions that have shown him as a serious professional.  At the moment, he and a few other artistes are bent on reviving guerilla or protest theatre which has been relegated to the background due to many unfortunate developments in the country.

    “At the moment,” he said in an interview, “we are trying to revive community theatre which we have now tagged theatre for development.  We are trying to rebuild a vibrant practice, using drama.  We know that in the process of doing so, we need young people, energetic and zestful artistes who are rearing to go to accomplish this mission.  We need younger people for us to grow this sector.  Some of us have spent long time in the profession and now we need to build people we have to hand over to; people who can adequately carry on and ensure that theatre remains a vital segment of an evolving society.

    You can call it community theatre, guerilla theatre or theatre for development.  In some situations it is also called protest theatre.  But all we know is that time has come for us to go to different communities of the federation to create the necessary awareness using the kind of drama relevant to the needs of the people.  All the plays are issue-targeted theatre practice.  It is in the process that we can discuss issues germane to the people and that they really need to realise and appreciate some topical socio-political problems in and around them,” he said.

    The main focus of theatre for development, in most cases, is to enable the communities and the people involved to solve their communal problems using theatre and this is exactly what the project is meant to do.  Ukpong who, is a known face in most of NANTAP – organised plays and shows in the past, explained that the beauty of this sort of project cannot be overemphasised.  He stated: “It will afford the people the opportunity to be fully involved.  This is why we are looking at the issues of governance, issues of electoral malpractices, we are looking at community health, issues of terrorism, at least you know terrorists do not fall from the sky.  We know most of the terrorists grew up in the communities and some of them can even be identified by their kith and kin.  And so we need to let people know why they do not need to be involved in all these crimes, social vices that do not speak well for the people.”

    The inherent idea behind this project is to encourage the local people to develop their places and shun social ills, ills that make for the retardation of the ideas and ideals for which a community is known. Ukpong said: “We need also to use this platform to discourage rural-urban migration.  If the people are kept busy; if you give them the sort of entertainment relevant to their needs in which they are also a part, of course, they will be happy to stay on to make it work.  What this means is that we will build the capacity of artistes, young people with potentials who really understand the very issues involved and how to pass the message across to the people.”

    Equally, the artistes involved, according to Ukpong will, at the end of the day be allowed to own the project.   In his words:“They can continue even when we are not there.  This is why we are looking at a whole gamut of relationships that we are going to build.  We are also looking at international communities for funding and assistance because this is a big project that we intend to use to turn around the theatre business for good.  We are also looking at the local government to see how they can be fully involved to give it the desired clout.  In fact the local government can also be part of the ownership of the project not necessarily in terms of human resources, but they can play very prominent role to make it work, so that in the end, it will help to stem crime, steady the nerves of the youths and encourage them to think good about their people.”

    This is one project in which the leadership of NANTAP is prepared to give so much to promote.  “Of course,” Ukpong said, “this is one project NANTAP is fully involved in.  You know it has a national reach; we have branches in all the states of the federation and so it is easier for us to use the structures to attain our dream.  So, what it means is that we cannot revive community theatre without NANTAP that has its offices in 36 states of the federation.  In other words, NANTAP is a serious and committed stakeholder in this project and we equally have our artistes on ground already for our take-off.”

    For the community theatre to be effectively monitored, the organisers have mapped out a few states as pilot states; states where the project will take-off from for a start.  “To start with,” Ukpong further stressed, “we have taken four states to launch this to see how it works.  These states include Akwa Ibom, Edo, Kaduna and Lagos.  From there too, we will move to other states in such a way as to make it appealing to the people.  With my experience over the years, I have learnt that the best way to make a community run is to make the people own what they do.  So, it is going to be a workshop process with renowned theatre practitioners.  These people will handle the workshops which lead into the project coming alive.  The young people who go into these workshops will then develop the drama that will go into the communities.

    The primary concern of the project handlers is to use local languages to project the people.  After the workshops are done, each project will be translated into the local language of the people concerned so that the message will not be difficult to permeate everybody.  “This is to ensure that the message is not lost on anybody.  You know how potent and strong a language can be and the people concerned will be happy to be told in their own local tongue.  We will throw open the call for those who are interested to come forward.  People will apply and then we choose those who can do it well,” Ukpong said.

    To make most of the street movements colourful and attractive, the project will involve street dancers in which colourful masquerades with beautiful costumes will parade the streets.  To this, Ukpong said: “The topical issue here is to use dances to spice our movements on the streets.  The dances have to be relevant to the communities.  We will equally involve community masquerades.  Apart from that, we will use all the dramatic elements of the people to catch their attention and work on their psyche.  We will look at their specific cultures; what is major selling point of the community that make them turn out en-masse to listen to the messages we have for them.  In as much as we do not want to make this protest in nature we will have to bear in mind that we have to sensitise the people on the issues that concern them now.  It is not going to be like a street carnival.  What we have is total theatre on the streets, with full community elements that have the interest of the people and what they believe in,” Ukpong clarified.

    The basic locations the artistes have in mind are busy street junctions that will not obstruct traffic, market places, motor parks and such other important places where people can easily converge to watch total theatre and listen to the messages.  “We will also go to the very slum places where you have masses of people who yearn to know more about the society.  We know that funding has not been easy for the stage or community theatre, but we are here now to see what can be done to revive it,” hesaid.

  • Drama in climate change

    Drama in climate change

    Last week, Nigerian theatre artistes gathered at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos to celebrate the World Theatre Day (WTD) and to honour thespians who have contributed immensely to the growth of the sector. Edozie Udeze who attended the ceremony reports that it was an opportunity to reward artistes in different categories

    This year’s World Theatre Day (WTD) which was celebrated by Nigerian theatre artistes under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) on March 27th was purposely devoted to the recognition and appreciation of veteran stage artistes in the country. In order to ensure that the celebration was widely spread to take care of all the interests of members in the country, each state chapter of NANTAP was mandated to limit its activities within the state.

    In Lagos where the celebration was spearheaded by the state NANTAP, the chairman, Eki Eboigbe, reiterated the need for artistes to always come together to foster unity and purpose for the profession to grow. Eboigbe, who took over last year as the anchor person of NANTAP in Lagos, reminded everybody that the WTD was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), an arm of UNESCO, to encourage artistes to perceive their profession as a noble one.

    “This is why we have decided to generate a generic theme this year in response to our immediate needs and concern. We take special interest too regarding our culture and environment, which are indeed the focal points for the celebration of WTD 2013. Indeed our theme is anchored on Sustainable Environment in Reaction to climate change,” she said.

    While artistes recognised the numerous contributions made by older professionals, it was equally time to point the way forward. Eboigbe enthused: “This is why the celebration includes performances of all genres of the theatre arts. In addition, we are recognising and giving awards to distinguished arts and culture ambassadors that have contributed remarkably to the promotion and propagation of art and culture in Nigeria. The idea is for us to continue to ensure that we are in tune with what we do in this sector. The culture sector must be made vibrant and alive not only for ourselves but for those who are coming after us.”

    In his response as the recipient of the World Theatre Day Distinguished personality of the year award, Professor Gabriel Olatunde Babawale of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) said the recognition was an encouragement for him to do more for the arts. “We all are here tonight to honour and recognise distinguishing arts and culture practitioners. I am delighted and it gives me more joy to be recognised as the distinguished personality of the year. It shows that we have been doing our best for the sector. But more importantly, it shows that we need to do more; we need to return theatre to the centre stage of total entertainment in the society. Theatre, of course, is the centrepiece of life. Therefore, it is our responsibility to reclaim what has been lost in the past.”

    In describing stage theatre as the mirror of life, Babawale urged thespians to always be proud of who they are and what they do. “It is we who will give that confidence the sector needs to prosper. This is why we must ensure that thespians return to the sector and that the cinema halls all over the country are reclaimed for us to make money and move on,” he said.

    In his own reaction, Zik Zulu Okafor, one of those who received an award, described the occasion as the best platform for artistes to receive their due in the society. “It is so heartwarming to be here tonight among many of us to receive this award. It shows the confidence artistes have in me as not only a writer, but a producer and a director. This will certainly make me work harder,” he said.

    For Sola Onayiga, a veteran actress whose award was specially heralded by guests, “It is so wonderful to be here as a special artiste. What we are doing is to ensure that the society is kept alive always through our art. And now that my people have singled me out for this special honour, I am so thrilled and hope to do more to help the sector grow.”

    Other artistes who received award included Edmund Enaibe, Ego Boyo, Sola Fosudo, Dele Morakinyo, Abiodun Aleja and many others. The recognitions were based essentially on the number of years an artiste has put into the profession and the amount of sacrifices he/she has made to promote the sector.

    Eboigbe said it was all in the spirit of ensuring a steady growth and development for both the sector and the practitioners. “These arts and culture ambassadors here set the ball rolling. It is therefore our duty and commitment to continue from where they stopped. This is why this ceremony is very important to us and to the sector,” she stated.

  • NANTAP holds World Theatre Day on March 26, 27

    he National Association of Nigerian Theatre Art Practitioners (NANTAP), Lagos Chapter, will roll out the big drums to celebrate World Theatre Day 2013 on March 26 and 27. This year’s theme is Sustainable Environment in Reaction to Climate Change. The WTD is celebrated on March 27 of every year and it is a period of celebrating the convergence of Thespians across the globe.

    The WTD was initiated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in Paris, France under UNESCO for the celebration of Theatre Arts and its relevance in positive global development. The WTD celebration includes performances of all genres of theatre arts recognition and awards to distinguished arts and culture ambassadors and a platform to project policy directions for the Nigeria art and culture sector.

    NANTAP (Lagos Chapter) Chairman, Faith Eboigbe said the WTD is a global celebration when most nations use culture as a developmental tool in all aspects of development. She regretted that in Nigeria culture has not been adequately used as a developmental tool. She urged the government and corporate bodies to begin to see the need of using culture as a developmental tool for the nation in all aspect of our development. “NANTAP is an advocacy of change” she stressed.

    NANTAP has outlined a 2-day activity for the celebration of World Theatre Day in which they will be planting the first entertainment tree by some NANTAP/Nollywood celebrities which is in line with the theme of the event. It will hold on March 26, by 8:30 am at the Mini Garden of Queen Amina, Entrance C National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

    There will also be a seminar titled The Entertainment Industry as Catalyst for Response to Environmental Change to be delivered by Mr Olukunle Sotade, MD, LASPARK, Lagos.

    Venue is the Cinema Hall, National Theatre, Lagos by10:00am. On the second day, there will be variety day and investiture of World Theatre Day distinguished personality for 2013. Venue of the investiture is the Banquet Hall, National Theatre, Iganmu by 3:00 p.m on Wednesday, March 27.

    Recipients include D.G, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) Prof. Tunde Babawale and Cultural Ambassador Awardees: Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism & Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Disun Holloway, Mrs Ego Boyo, Otunba (Dr) Sola Fosudo, Mr Dele Morakinyo and also certified thespians which include Mr Steve Ogundele, Mr Olu Adeniregun, Mr Edmond Enaibe, Mrs Hassan Adesina, Mrs Sola Onayiga, Mr Kayode Odumosu, Mr Francis Onwuchie, Mr Zik Zulu Okafor, Mr Abiodun Aleja and Mr Seyi Fasuyi.

  • NANTAP calls for sustainable structures

    NANTAP calls for sustainable structures

    The Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Theater Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Lagos State Chapter, Ms Eki Eboigbe, has urged all tiers of government to build sustainable structures for the growth of the movie industry.

    She said the industry was overdue for a film town, a useful tool to impact messages that the society needed for social transformation.

    She said: “We need a place where filmmakers can replicate every cities nuance, without the hazard of disrupting normal flow of life.

    “We have the expanse of land, we have the funds and we have the business knowledge and expertise, we need the government to help put up structures.“

    According to her, “aside governments support with funding of some projects of associations or individuals, they need to give standard structures that will help the growth of the industry.”

    The first woman Chairman of NANTAP noted that some corporate organisations are making efforts, but that more has to be done to develop the industry rapidly as other climes had done.

    She stressed that most of the practitioners had invested in business that is driving the local economy, but “that’s not enough, more can be done.

    “At least, people in the industry are acquiring lands, have blueprints of what they want to do, but are limited with capital to develop the structures.

    “This is as a result of businessmen wanting to invest in quick profit returns, than a long term, steady and sustainable returns of investment.”

    She described the actors as the mirror through which the society sees which some are not aware of. Unfortunately, in our clime, it’s like some are not aware of this important thrust, they only see the glamour. We need these structures because the practitioners are contributing in the area of educating and informing the populace. We are standing in as mediators between the government and the citizens,” she said.

    MsEboigbe, a multitalented TV/film/stage Producer explained that regular engagement will help the government to be more aware of the level of responsiveness on their agenda and citizen would understand things better. Some notable projects handled by her in the entertainment industry include For the love of country, Forever, Keeping Faith, 30 Days, MTN Project Fame (Season 2) among others.

  • NANTAP honours Amosun, RMD, others

    NANTAP honours Amosun, RMD, others

    The National Association of Nigeria Threatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has honoured nine Nigerians for their contributions to the growth and development of theatre practice. They were honoured recently at the 14th convention of the association at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The recipients included Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Mahmoud Ali-Balogun, Ben Tomoloju, Peter Tade Adekunle, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Abiodun Abe, Alhaji Teju Kareem, Ms Buki Ajai and Oba Olusanya Dosumnu, the Olowu of Owu. Right inside the newly refurbished Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the artistes held a three-day event which climaxed with presentation of awards to a number of distinguished practitioners, including past presidents of the association.

    The roll call began with Tomoloju, the man who provided the rallying point for the association at inception, before it finally became a full- fledged professional body in the early 1990s.

    Tomoloju received the highest NANTAP award of Fellow of Theatre Arts (FTA) along with other respected artistes like Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Peter Tade Adekunle, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Abiodun Abe, Alhaji Teju Kareem, Ms Buki Ajai and the royal father, Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu (CON)-the Olowu of Owu.

    Of all these awardees, only Ms Ajai and Mofe-Damijo were absent, but their citations expectedly bore testimonies of their achievements in the culture/creative sectors.Mofe-Damijo was represented by Patrick Okonkwo from the Delta State chapter.

    Each of the awardees was called to the podium while citation was read amid great applause. The executives of the association led by Gregory Odutayo informed the house that it deemed it fit to give honour to whom it’s due, noting that this would encourage others to work for the development of theatre profession.

    Odutayo called on the Federal Government to reintroduce the subventions which used to be given to active professional bodies in the culture sector and which NANTAP rightly deserves.

    Aside the FTA awards, the association equally rewarded the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun with the special recognition award. The governor was commended for having promoted culture in the state and for renovating the Cultural Centre with the state-of-the-art equipment. Other prominent theatre practitioners who received artistic excellence awards were Afis Oyetoro, Akanni Adeniji, the late Ms Toun Oni, Olu Adeniregun, Wole Oguntokun and Dayo Liadi. Also conferred with the NANTAP recognition awards were Remi Okunola, Mrs Sola Momoh, Mrs Tosin Dokpesi, Mr Kola Oyeyemi, Ms Odiamo Ogaga, Tajudeen Adepetu, Chief Yinka Kufiile, Chief Wale Adenuga, Engr Mutiu Adebowale, Alhaji Abdulfatai Odunowo and Mr Stevens Evans.

    With a musical interlude by Feyisayo Kolade, better known as Fayooz, the ceremony wore a more aesthetic look while many of the guests responded warmly.

    Among the guests were Chief Olu Odeyemi, Commissioner for Special Duties who represented the Governor, Mrs Yinka Kukoyi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Also in attendance as executive members were Mrs Toyin Ogundeji (Deputy President), Steve Ogundele (General Secretary), Deji Etiwe(Director, Business) and Ozi Okoli (Director, Publicity).

    Speaking on behalf of awardees, Tomoloju commended the association for its steadfastness, noting that the leadership of the association from inception had always been the prerogative of a golden generation of forward looking practitioners.

    The former Deputy Editor of The Guardian and Executive Director of BTC called on the Federal Government to build cottage theatres in every local government in the country. According to him, the closer the theatres are to the people, the greater the prospects of theatre artistes in the task of developing Nigerian theatre.