As part of efforts aimed at empowering young ones in the creative sector, especially teenagers between the ages of eight and 16, the National Theatre and Proud African Youths are collaborating to ensure a smooth and encouraging process. They have already auditioned the creative talents who will go into the programme, which opens on July 28 and end August 23, 2025.

General Manager/CEO, National Theatre, Adetola Akerele, noted, “at the summer camp, the children will learn new skills and discipline,” adding, “The National Theatre is always putting colourful things on stage.”

Proud African Roots, which is partnering the parastatal, is into harnessing the power of storytelling in the arts of building the talents of young ones. It also enhances children’s learning experiences and instil essential values for nurturing future leaders.

They also provide dynamic learning, engaging and interactive methods that captivate young minds; holistic assessment, comprehensive approaches to evaluate growth and development and culturally inclusive, embracing diverse backgrounds to foster awareness and appreciation.

The CEO, Bola Edwards, stated that over the years, “we have seen how theatre has built children. It has given them foundational values like resilience. They might not become actors or singers at the end of the day, but through the performing arts, they are able to build certain attributes they need as leaders, as the future workforce of Nigeria and Africa.”

On her part, Communications Director of The Osa Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), main sponsor of the camp, Nicole Asinugo, added, “our creative sector has been able to champion Nigeria, globally. Creativity is no longer for broke poor artistes. Creativity is something that can be a sustainable career. I studied law, and then, became a screen writer. So, there is hope.”

The organisation is partnering with schools to incorporate African arts and culture into their curriculum enhancing students’ engagement and educational outcomes.