Abuja’s vibrant theatre scene received a significant boost with the second Abuja International Theatre Festival & Awards (ABITFA), which not only celebrated current achievements but also charted an ambitious path for future cultural recognition.
Held at the Brazilian Embassy Theatre, the festival culminated on Saturday, November 9 with a powerful message of artistic preservation and innovation. At the opening ceremony, Festival Director Jerry Adesewo emphasised the event’s core mission: to spotlight and celebrate individuals who have been instrumental in nurturing Nigeria’s rich theatrical landscape.“These awards,” he said. “Are a tribute to theatre practitioners and individuals who have tirelessly advanced the growth of Nigerian theatre.”
The festival’s highlight was the recognition of key cultural contributors, with Professor Ojo Rasaki Bakare, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Ekiti State, receiving the prestigious ABITFA Impact Award. Bakare’s groundbreaking work includes establishing a ₦200 million state endowment fund for cultural industries, with plans to escalate support to ₦500 million in 2025.
Patrick Otoro of Rivers of Water Productions was honoured with a Special Recognition Award for his consistent efforts in sustaining Abuja’s theatre culture. “We will be committed ambassadors for ABITFA, promoting and enhancing theatre across Nigeria,” Otoro pledged, reflecting the festival’s collaborative spirit.
Looking ahead, Adesewo announced exciting new award categories that promise to further elevate Nigerian theatre. The most poignant addition is the Fayaman Bay Adesewo Award for Solo Performances, named in memory of his late elder brother who was dedicated to theatre and storytelling beginning with the 2025 edition.
Another significant announcement was the renaming of the ABITFA Pen Pal Award to honour Ben Tomoloju, a veteran playwright and arts journalism pioneer. The award acknowledges arts journalists for their contributions to theatre and was awarded to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of TheArtHubNig (wwwwthearthubng.com) Mr Anote Ajeluorou this year.According to Adesewo, “Tomoloju is widely regarded as a pioneer in arts and culture journalism in Nigeria. Naming this award after him is our way of celebrating his impactful career as he approaches his 70th birthday.”
The festival’s international dimension was underscored by support from diplomatic circles, with Brazilian Embassy Cultural Attaché Alex Manhaes praising the initiative’s cultural significance. ABITFA 2024 demonstrated remarkable reach, hosting performances and workshops across multiple venues in Abuja, including the Embassy of Ireland, British Council, American Space and Dike Chukwumerije Centre.
Cultural Attaché of the Brazilian Embassy, Mr. Alex Manhaes, lauded the festival’s efforts and expressed appreciation for the initiative, encouraging audiences to enjoy the diverse theatrical offerings.
ABITFA 2024 showcased performances and workshops at multiple venues across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, including the Brazilian Embassy Theatre, Embassy of Ireland, British Council, American Space and Dike Chukwumerije Centre. ABITFA remains a dynamic celebration of Nigerian and international theatre, committed to expanding the boundaries of cultural and artistic expression across Nigeria.
As the curtains fell on this year’s event, it was clear that ABITFA is more than a festival—it’s a movement dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and propelling Nigerian theatrical arts into a vibrant future.