The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practioners (NANATAP) has reiterated its call for implementation of the National Cultural Policy as well as improved funding for the Arts, particularly the Performing Arts.
NANTAP made the call during the Performing Arts Strategy Session of the Omniverse Summit held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
The Strategy Session, moderated by immediate past NANTAP President, Mr. Israel Eboh was attended by theatre practitioners, film makers, investors and top officials of the National Council for Arts and Culture.
Participants at the Strategy session, including NANTAP President, Mr. Makinde Adeniran, Soji Jacobs from Lufodo Productions, Seun Awobajo from Guild of Theatre Arts Drummers (GOTHAD) and Perekeme Odon from Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), stressed that a full implementation of the National Cultural Policy would go a long way to tackle issues such as funding, lack of physical infrastructure, quality assurance, training, research, investment, insurance, safety and other fundamental challenges of the sector.
According to Mr. Adeniran, “If we are really serious about building a robust and sustainable non-oil economy, we must be intentional in empowering the performing arts sector which propels the mechanism of the creative economy. We need to go beyond quick fix measures and apply solutions that would stand the test of time and that is why we must commence full implementation of the National Cultural Policy without further delay.”
On his part, Mr. Israel Eboh, while acknowledging efforts being made by government to seek ways to upscale the performing arts sector, emphasized the need for proper legislative foundations towards ensuring sustainability and long term impact of intervention programs.
The outcome of the Strategy Session is expected to be articulated and included as part of a new road map being instituted by government to guide tailored interventions for the sector.
Victor C. Nwokocha, ANIPR
Director, Media & Publicity
NANTAP
February 27, 2025
