The Abuja International Theatre Festival & Awards (ABITFA) kicked off its second edition on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, awarding individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian theatre.
It also announced additional awards for its third edition in 2025.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Brazilian Embassy amphitheatre, Abuja, Artistic Director, Jerry Adesewo said the awards are a nod to theatre practitioners and individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian theatre.
Among the awardees are Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Professor Ojo Rasaki Bakare, who received the ABITFA Impact Award for his efforts in the realization of the Ekiti State Endowment Funds for The Arts this year, and the founder of Rivers of Water Productions, Patrick Otoro, one of the handful theatre producers who have kept alive the theatre-going culture in Abuja.
“Prof Bakare’s effort combined with the support of the State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, saw not only the provision and infusion of N200 million into the Ekiti cultural and creative sector, but will increase the funding to N500m in 2025.
“Ekiti State is indicative that despite decades of ineffective efforts to establish a national endowment fund, it is achievable at the state level,” said Adesewo.
While reminiscing on the role of his elder brother, who died two years (2020) to the festival’s maiden edition, Adesewo said ABITFA 2025 will introduce the Fayaman Bay Adesewo Award for Solo Performances, in honour of his memory. He further noted that the ABITFA Pen Pal Award recognizing contributions of arts journalists to the theatric craft, will be renamed the Ben Tomoloju Awards for Arts Journalists.
“Tomoloju is the father of culture and arts reporting in Nigeria, and was the former editor of Guardian Nigeria Arts Desk. This is a good way of celebrating the veteran playwright, singer and editor, who will clock 70 years soon, in his lifetime.”
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Otoro, pledged that he and fellow awardees will make good ambassadors for the festival.
On his part, the Cultural Attache of the Brazilian Embassy, Nigeria, Mr Alex Manhaes commended attendees and the festival for the initiative, and wished the latter a good time throughout the five-days.
ABITFA will run from November 5 to 7, at multiple venues in the FCT, including Brazilian Embassy Amphitheatre, Embassy of Ireland, Korea Culture Center Nigeria (KCCN), British Council, and American Space.
