By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Director-General of National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB), Dr Hussein Shuaibu, has called for establishment of community cinemas to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Shuaibu made the call during his remarks at an event to mark the 2025 World Theatre Day, and inauguration of new executives of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Abuja Chapter.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new executives include, Jerry Adesewo as Chairman, Osondu Ogbuaku as Vice Chairman, Jovita Anyanwu-Chukwemeka as Secretary, Yausahyel Suleman as Director of Finance and Achi Kalu as Director Media and Publicity.
Shuaibu said the celebration which also concide with international dance day call attention to the importance of the element of theater, including dance, to national development.
“And this year particularly, we are looking at theatre and conflict resolution. So it’s very apt for our society now, knowing that there are a lot of conflicts here and there.
“And there’s so much that theatre can do to heal and enlighten people, to make them understand that it’s not about war. Most times we need peace for development to take place.
“We need to take the message of togetherness and peaceful coexistence to the people, because, if we don’t have peace in our communities, there’s no way development can happen.
“So, let’s divert attention, let’s change strategy. We can develop more places that we can take our communities to, so that we can talk to them about the need for them to coexist.
“We have been in our own little way encouraging the development of community theatres, especially community viewing centres.
“We encourage the setting up of community theaters so that people come and watch film of how other people resolve their conflict. It will encourage peaceful coexistence, ” he said.
The outgoing chairman of the association, Mr Kayode Aiyegbusi sad he has steered the association since 2018 and has put in his best and pledged his support to the new executives.
“There is so much to gain in this association. It is my believe that the new leadership will the association to a greater height”.
Meanwhile, the new chairman of the chapter, Mr Jerry Adesewo in his inaugural speech said the inauguration of the new executives is the birth of a renewed vision for theatre practice in Abuja.
“A vision anchored on three solid pillars: capacity building, membership expansion and collaboration.
“As we begin this journey, I must seize this moment to make a passionate call to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike , that Abuja deserves a standalone Mandate Secretary for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
“The arts need strategic leadership and dedicated focus if Abuja is to take its place among the great cultural cities of the world. We ask you to give the arts their rightful seat at the table.
“We also ask that you to consider investing art infrastructures in Abuja, by building cottage theatres across the FCT, at least, one in each area councils, and of course, creating creative hubs that could help stimulate the art scene,” he said.
Adesewo maintained that the new leadertship intend to hit the ground running.unning.
“First, we want both old and intending members to note that our monthly Congress will resume in three weeks, precisely on May 22, between 4-6pm. Our congresses will be so business-like that you’ll regret whenever you miss one.
“Secondly, the Chapter will hold a quarterly roundtable to address issues related to theatre practice in Abuja and Nigeria, and for experience sharing,” Adesewo said.
NAN reports that high points of the event were cultural performances, dance and spoken words. (NAN)