Shuabu Hussein, Jerry Adesewo, Bolanle Austen-Peters Joke Silva, inducted as Fellows of Theatre Arts
By Matthew Eloyi
In a grand ceremony held on Saturday, February 22, the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) bestowed its prestigious Fellow of Theatre Arts (FTA) title on several distinguished personalities who have made remarkable contributions to Nigerian theatre.
The honourees, including Shuabu Hussein, Jerry Adesewo, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Joke Silva, and a host of others were all celebrated for their enduring impact and leadership in the creative arts sector.
The investiture ceremony, which took place at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, was a highlight of the NANTAP National Delegates Convention, EKO 2024, drawing theatre practitioners, cultural enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders from across the nation. The event showcased the association’s commitment to recognising excellence and promoting the development of the performing arts in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Eko outgoing NANTAP President, Israel Eboh, fta, praised the new fellows for their unwavering dedication to theatre arts. “Today, we celebrate legends whose work has not only entertained but also educated and inspired. Their influence goes beyond the stage, shaping narratives and enriching our cultural heritage,” Eboh said.
The honourees, each a trailblazer in their own right, have made significant contributions to the growth of the Nigerian theatre industry. Dr. Shuabu Hussein is the Executive Director of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, who is widely respected for his academic and literary contributions to theatre and film, in addition to being a dance practitioner. Jerry Adesewo, is a playwright, director and producer, known for his innovative storytelling and community-focused projects.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, founder of Terra Kulture, has consistently pushed boundaries in theatre and movie productions, gaining international recognition, while Joke Silva, is an iconic actress and director, who continues to inspire generations with her exceptional talent and advocacy for the arts.
Others include Bukky Ogunnote, Prof. Laide Nasir of Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Oluwaseun Odukiya, popularly known as Aunty-Shine-the-Storyteller, Chima Nwaokolo, and Tajudeen Adepetu among others.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, Joke Silva expressed gratitude to NANTAP for the honour, stating, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to theatre and the arts. We are grateful and remain dedicated to advancing the creative industry in Nigeria.”
The event featured captivating performances by theatre troupes and highlighted NANTAP’s ongoing initiatives to support creative practitioners. With the investiture of these new fellows, NANTAP continues to set the stage for excellence, championing the role of theatre in national development.
The NANTAP Fellow of Theatre Arts (FTA) title is the highest honour conferred by the association, recognising individuals whose careers exemplify professionalism, creativity, and leadership in the arts.