At the fourth edition of the annual National Theatre Festival of Unity, the President of the Nigeria Academy of Letters and an art professor, Duro Oni, praised the management of the National Arts Theatre for utilizing the creative industry as a symbol of unity in Nigeria.
The theme of the festival, titled “Boundless Possibility of Arts,” aims to promote peace and harmony in the country by building bridges of unity through various activities including street parties, musical performances, film shows, comedy, and other spectacular events.
During the festival, Oni delivered a lecture on the subject of “Boundless Possibilities of Art: The National Theatre and New Paradigm of Development,” explaining how the creative industry plays a vital role in the country’s unity.
Oni noted that the “Festival of Unity” was the first of its kind and is geared towards upholding the essential mandate of the National Theatre to present, promote and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Oni also associated the National Theatre Festival of Unity with the French Festival of Unity and Indivisibility of Aug. 10, 1793, which he said brought stronger ties in the French colony.
READ ALSO: https://thecrux.org.ng/yemi-alade-releases-new-ep-mamapiano-a-four-track-bombshell/
He conveyed his appreciation to the current National Arts Theatre management for keeping the festival alive and suggested that subsequent administrations should institutionalize the festival.
Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, the CEO and Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN), also praised the National Arts Theatre’s management for their efforts in sustaining the festival of unity.
He expressed his high expectations for the festival, which he believes will draw important dignitaries in the creative industry, and commended the vision of President Bola Tinubu, communicated through the supervising Minister, for this year’s title and program.
The National Theatre Festival of Unity is not only a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage but also a platform for promoting unity, peace, and harmony among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
The festival has become a part and parcel of the people’s lives, and they look forward to it every December with nostalgia.
