Governor Oyebanji, Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, others bag ABITFA Awards 2024
By Matthew Eloyi
The 2nd edition of the Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards (ABITFA) is set to recognise outstanding individuals, including Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Hon. Asiwaju Jerry Alagbaoso, for their significant contributions to the arts.
This is contained in a press release issued by the organisers and made available to our correspondent in Abuja on Saturday.
Scheduled from November 3-9, 2024, the festival will take place across various prestigious venues in Abuja, under the theme “The Art of Humanity.”
According to the press release, Governor Oyebanji will receive the ABITFA/TY Buratai Award for Cultural Leadership, honouring his role in promoting cultural and creative initiatives in Ekiti State.
Hon. Alagbaoso, a playwright and federal legislator, is among the recipients of the ABITFA Impact Award, acknowledging his influence in advancing the Nigerian arts sector.
Other distinguished awardees include Prof. Bakare Ojo Rasaki, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy of Ekiti State, who will also be honoured with the ABITFA Impact Award.
Mrs. Ayo Jaiyesinmi of Thespian Family Theatre Productions will receive the ABITFA SDG Impact Award for her work in aligning theatre with sustainable development goals.
The press statement revealed that the festival would feature an impressive lineup of international and Nigerian performances, including “How Far?” from France, “Joy to the City” from Spain, and Nigerian showcases such as “The Re-Education of Gina Obi” and “Vengeful Merriment.”
In addition to performances, the statement noted that the event would offer workshops and masterclasses aimed at enhancing the skills of participants in areas such as acting, playwriting, and storytelling.
It added that Senator Shehu Sani, a playwright and civil rights activist, would deliver the keynote address on November 5 at the Brazilian Embassy Theatre Abuja.