Events

NANTAP Convention 2023: Reshaping Nigerian Theatre Arts for economic growth

Published

3 years ago

November 16, 2023

THE National Delegates Convention of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) concluded on November 11, 2023 in Asaba, Delta State, with a focus on transforming the Nigerian creative economy.

Delegates from 12 state chapters, as well as representatives from guilds, affiliates, and industry stakeholders, gathered to deliberate on policies aimed at reshaping the theatre arts profession.

Under the theme “Building a Borderless Market to Unlock the Potentials of the Nigerian Creative Economy,” the convention highlighted the imperative for theatre practitioners to rebrand, rebuild, and create opportunities for networking in the evolving socio-political and economic climate of the country.

In his opening remarks, President of NANTAP, Israel Eboh emphasised the necessity of a new approach to professional practice, addressing challenges such as inadequate funding, inconsistent official policies, harsh economic conditions, lack of synergy between training institutions and practice, insufficient infrastructure, and minimal government support.

An engaging, hybrid panel session, featuring Julie Eason from the Art Fundraisers (UK), Yibo Koko representing the Rivers State Tourism Board, Franca Idemudia from Clevenard.Com (Spain), and Alhaji Adedayo Thomas from the National Film and Video Censors Board, offered a hands-on exploration of the theme. The session underscored the vital role of cultivating relationships and ensuring tangible impacts in all endeavours. This approach, it was emphasised, is crucial for retaining funders, sponsors, and cultivating a loyal audience. The speakers stressed the importance of comprehending existing policies and leveraging them to meet our specific needs.

At the NDC deliberations proper, delegates and participants engaged in frank discussions about the current state of theatre practice in Nigeria and recognised the need for advocacy to improve the practice environment. Resolutions were made to:

Create Awareness and Rebranding: Urgently raise awareness among theatre artists and move towards rebranding the profession in the new dispensation.

Capacity Building: Develop a carefully crafted scheme of education in the core business of theatre for capacity building.

Business and Economic Venture: Stress the idea of theatre as a business and economic venture. NANTAP has registered its business under the name: TAP VENTURES NIGERIA LIMITED.

Safety and Security: Conduct theatre practice in a safe and secure environment, with greater attention to safety in and around theatre buildings and institutions.

Advocacy for Cultural Ministry: Advocate for the establishment of a standalone ministry for culture and tourism, expressing concern over the break-up of the ministry into two sectors.

National Theatre Renovation: Express deep concern about the ongoing renovation of the National Theatre, emphasising the need for considerations that enhance cultural and performance atmosphere.

The 2023 National Delegates Convention climaxed with a dinner and investiture ceremony where more than a dozen practitioners were decorated with the highest honour of the association: Fellows of Theatre Arts. They include Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti, Prof. Friday Nwafor, Mrs. Ruth Osu, Patrick Omo Otoro, Kayode Aiyegbusi, Ngozi Duru, Keneth Uphopho, Patrick Okonkwo, and Kayode Longe.

Related Topics:Convention 2023 Events Featured NANTAP

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.