NANTAP, established as a corporate body on December 12, 1990, by virtue of an Act the Land (Perpetual Succession) Act, Cap 98 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for theatre practitioners (stage, television, film and folk practices), emerged after the role defining efforts of art stakeholders when Becky Musa was plagued by an ailment, which required the assistance of the late First Lady of Nigeria, Maryam Babangida, for her to be flown abroad for treatment. Its first president was Mahmood Ali Balogun. Among its past presidents are Richard Mofe Damijo, Peter Tade Adekunle, Kester Abiodun Abe, Gregory Muyiwa Odutayo and Tunde Obalana.
Unveiling the programme of event at a media briefing, which held recently at Freedom Park, Lagos, the National President of NANTAP, Israel Eboh, assured stakeholders of an engaging and transformative gathering. He said the forthcoming convention would provide a robust platform to explore; debate and expand the role of performing arts in national development.
With ‘Theatre, Politics, and National Development,’ as theme, Eboh said the vital role of theatre in shaping national consciousness would be interrogated.
“The theme could not be more relevant at this time in our 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 policy. Theatre is more than entertainment—it is a mirror of society, a voice for the voiceless, and a catalyst for transformation,” he retorted.
The convention would serve as a platform to discuss how the performing arts contribute to governance, civic engagement and national progress.
“The convention is called ‘Eko 2024’ because it is also an opportunity for our members to explore tour facilities in Lagos; we want to showcase Lagos as the heartbeat of entertainment.
Speaking further, Eboh hinted that veterans such as Joke Silva, Chief Chika Okpala, Hajiya Lantana Ahmed, Dr Sam Dede, Sarah Boulos and Steve Onu, are among the Eko 2024 Convention ambassadors. These distinguished groups of industry icons, he noted, would facilitate most of the activities taking place at the Convention.
Eboh said the convention would feature insightful workshops to educate practitioners on cutting-edge skills in scriptwriting, directing, acting, stage design and digital theatre innovations.
The activities include: captivating performances that will showcase Nigeria’s finest theatrical productions, celebrate 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.
In the course of the convention, delegates would be immersed in an exciting lineup of events designed to educate, entertain and inspire. This is the first time activities would be happening in four different venues concurrently: National Theatre, Glover Memorial Hall, Freedom Park, and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
A major highlight of the convention will be the National Executive Council election, where a new president will be elected to succeed Eboh. The convention will conclude with the swearing-in ceremony of the new executive council.
Earlier, General Manager of the National Arts Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele, assured NANTAP of continued partnership. Akerele was represented by Deputy Director, Marketing at National Theatre, Chief Henry Ndubuisi.
Akerele also assured Nigerians that the National Theatre would be open for use soon, as she promised to continue to work with NANTAP to generate lofty ideas that would reposition the creative industry.
“We recognise the enormous role NANTAP plays in correcting societal ills and that is the reason we will continue to partner with you to achieve our common goals,” she said.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the convention, Odutayo, said the event would be a five-day season of learning, interaction and exhibition of talents.
“We are going to have activities spread across five venues, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Glover Memorial hall, Freedom Park and the National Theatre.
“We’ll provide logistics for attendees across the state,” he said.
Also speaking, National President of the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), Sarah Boulos, urged NANTAP to ensure a communiqué is put together after the convention.
NANTAP also hopes to engage the participants in other exciting activities including; networking sessions and an award night where some thespians would be honoured for their significant contributions to the growth of theatre and the creative industry.
The briefing attracted guests such as Lead Assurance Brand Manager, Niyi Abiola, one of the event’s major supporters; Assistant Director, Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Phillip Elgbire.
Others are Maryann Oluremi Jemilola, representing Sarah Boulos and Director/Head, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), representing the Director-General, NCAC, Princess Ivie Betty Uwa-Igbinoba.
