By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, and Channels Television Chairman, Dr. John Mommoh, have called for a concerted effort to revitalise Nigeria’s theatre industry, emphasising its potential to empower young Nigerians and significantly boost the country’s economy.
The trio made their remarks at a press briefing to announce the upcoming Lagos International Theater Festival, scheduled to take place from November 14th to 17th, 2024.
The festival, an initiative aimed at reviving Nigeria’s rich theatre heritage, will feature performances at the National Arts Theater and is expected to create thousands of job opportunities for young people in the creative sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the briefing, underscored his administration’s commitment to supporting the entertainment and creative industries, noting that it was a unique opportunity for Nigeria to project a positive global image.
He urged senior actors like Joke Silva and Bimbo Emmanuel to continue mentoring younger talents in the industry.
“The creative industry is one of the best avenues to sell Nigeria to the world. Let’s ensure that we nurture the next generation of actors, directors, and creatives,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Dr. Mommoh, who serves as the Planning Committee Chairman for the festival, echoed Sanwo-Olu’s sentiments, highlighting the vital role of the creative sector in Nigeria’s economic recovery.
“Creative arts will be the saviour of this nation. Nigeria has the talent, all we need now is the necessary support and assistance to make it thrive,” Mommoh remarked.
Former Governor Duke, who also spoke at the event, praised Lagos State’s efforts in recognising the importance of the arts.
He reminded the gathering that Nigeria boasts the largest film industry in the world and that theatre could similarly establish Nigeria as a global cultural powerhouse.
“With this festival, we are celebrating our own work and showcasing the creativity of our people to the world,” Duke said.
The founder of the festival, Bolanle Austin-Peters, admitted her initial hesitations about taking on the project but was motivated by the promise of providing opportunities for 24,000 young Nigerians.
She expressed confidence that the event would reignite the country’s passion for theatre and stimulate the local economy.
“It’s not just about performances, it’s about creating sustainable job opportunities for our youth. The festival will serve as a platform to showcase our talents and attract international attention,” Austin-Peters said.
Actor Bimbo Emmanuel, while acknowledging the challenges facing the theatre industry in Nigeria, praised the Lagos State government for its efforts to revive the sector. He noted that for the theatre industry to flourish, it required continuous government support and robust policies to sustain its growth.
“The theatre industry is crucial to Nigeria’s cultural identity and economic development. We need policies that will nurture and support this sector,” Emmanuel emphasised.
The Lagos International Theater Festival promises to be a pivotal event in reshaping the narrative around Nigeria’s creative arts, with expectations high for its success in the coming weeks.