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Theatre practitioners to explore digital operations in post-COVID-19 era

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5 years ago

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The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), says it will explore digital operations to recover and reinvent itself in post-COVID-19 era.

The aim is to take theatre arts to its audience, Isreal Eboh, the President of the association said on Monday in Lagos.

Eboh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that the COVID-19 lockdown had a profound effect on the activities of the sector.

He noted that the sector had practically shut down completely, following the COVID-19 pandemic, as theatre by its nature attracted audience.

“We entered year 2020 with lots of ideas and programmes to improve on our major events in the industry and had gone the extra mile to make these plans a reality.

“By the time the coronavirus pandemic known as COVID-19 crawled into the country and before we knew what was happening, it destabilised our plans and frustrated our efforts.

“Even before the lockdown, theatrical performances were already going into lockdown mode as the fear of the epidemic was already scaring people away from any form of large gathering,” he said.

According to him, major industry events such as the World Theatre Day, International Dance Day that were expected to hold in March and April were not held as a result of the lockdown.

“These events had been held uninterrupted for the past 28 years but it is so unfortunate that the problems of COVID-19 made the 2020 editions impossible.

“The World Theatre Day and International Dance Day are usually significant as they come with performances; a big one for us here as we join other countries to mark the days’.” He said.

Eboh said that some individuals in the sector also suffered losses, while others had suspended their planned shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

The NANTAP boss said that the body would explore digital operations as an option to recover and re-invent itself post- Covid-19, being a measure to take theatre arts to its audience.

NAN reports that the World Dance Day marked April 29 is set aside to promote arts and culture, raise awareness among the public regarding the ‘art of dance’.

It spreads education about several forms of dance and the value in its art form.

The World Theatre Day created in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) is celebrated annually on March 27 with national and international theatre events to mark the occasion.

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Tradition Meets Tomorrow at Tingo AI Radio Event

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9 hours ago

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March 4, 2025

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In an electrifying celebration of innovation and heritage, Tingo AI Radio—Africa’s first AI radio—hosted a landmark meet and greet in Lagos. Indigenous leaders, youth, and tech enthusiasts converged at a vibrant community center to witness demonstrations of cutting-edge robotic automations and awe-inspiring AI innovations. Visitors marveled as state-of-the-art robots showcased capabilities from precision agricultural tasks to interactive cultural storytelling. “Today’s event proves that technology can amplify our traditions rather than replace them,” remarked community elder Chief Adewale. Panel discussions and live demos highlighted how these digital breakthroughs could empower local industries and education. Organizers emphasized that the blend of indigenous wisdom and modern science offers a transformative future for Lagos. Interactive sessions allowed participants to get hands-on experience with digital interfaces and robotic programming. Tingo AI Radio, celebrated as Africa’s first AI radio, is setting new standards in media by merging technology with community values. As the day concluded, excitement and optimism filled the air, paving the way for future workshops that promise even greater collaboration between traditional practices and technological progress. This event marks a significant milestone in Lagos’ journey toward digital empowerment and cultural preservation.

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Court grants Jude Okoye N100m bail in money laundering case

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1 day ago

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March 3, 2025

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The Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, granted Jude Okoye, the former manager of the now-defunct music group P-Square, bail in the amount of N100 million.

 

Justice Alexander Owoeye approved the bail, stipulating two sureties, each with a similar amount in value. The court also placed a travel restriction on Okoye, prohibiting him from leaving the country.

 

One of the sureties, the judge ruled, must be the owner of a landed property, among other requirements.

 

 

Okoye, the elder sibling of Peter and Paul Okoye of P-Square, was arraigned last Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of money laundering. The charges involve ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.

 

The EFCC also charged Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, with acquiring a property in 2022 at 5 Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. The property, worth ₦850 million, was allegedly purchased using funds that Okoye knew, or should have known, were proceeds of criminal activities.

 

 

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ED of NFVCB, Honored with Prestigious Fellow of Theatre Profession Award

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6 days ago

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February 27, 2025

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The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has conferred the
esteemed Fellow of Theatre Profession award upon Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive
Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). NANTAP says the
award of Fellow of Theatre Arts (fta) was awarded to theatre practitioner, film journalist, culture
advocate and administrator in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and
development of theatre practice in Nigeria.

The award ceremony took place on Sunday, February 22, at the Glover Hall, Lagos, and was
attended by distinguished personalities in the Nigerian culture, theatre and film industries
including the General Manager of National Theatre Tola Akerele, Culture activist and
programme chairman of Coalition For Relevant Arts (CORA) Jahman Anikulapo, Chairman of
the Body of Fellows of NANTAP Prof Duro Oni, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
NANTAP and Chairman of Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), Mahmood Ali-Balogun,  Veteran actor
Norbert Young and the veteran actress Joke Silva Jacobs who was also honoured at the event.
NANTAP had noted in the citation read before the NFVCB ED was decorated that Dr. Shaibu
has made significant strides in promoting Nigerian dance, theatre and film, both locally and
internationally. NANTAP also acknowledged that Dr. Shaibu’s recent appointment as ED/CEO
of NFVCB has been instrumental in shaping the country's film industry.


The NFVCB boss thanked NANTAP for the prestigious honour and recognition which he
described as not just a personal recognition, but also a testament to the hard work, dedication and
passion of every individual who has contributed to the growth and development of theatre
practice in Nigeria, ‘’I am grateful, honoured and proud to be part of a community that has
consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, innovation and excellence. Since the reward for
hard work is more work, I commit to continue working tirelessly to promote and advance the
cause of theatre and film arts in Nigeria’’ the ED said.

The Fellow of Theatre Profession award is the highest honor bestowed by NANTAP, recognizing
individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to the
advancement of theatre arts in Nigeria. Those who were inducted into the body of fellows of
NANTAP alongside the NFVCB ED include Joke Silva Jacobs, Sam Uche- Anyamele and
Bolanle Austen-Peters.

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