LASG MARKS WORLD THEATRE DAY 2026 WITH ADVOCACY, DIALOGUE, ROYAL PERFORMANCE
The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), proudly commemorated World Theatre Day 2026 with a dynamic programme that blended intellectual discourse and cultural storytelling. The celebration underscored theatre’s enduring role as a catalyst for peace, unity and social transformation.
The event, held at the historic Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, unfolded in two impactful segments: an advocacy session and a theatrical performance that paid homage to Lagos’ royal heritage, on Friday, 27th March, 2026.
In his keynote address during the Advocacy Session themed:
“Re-inventing Theatre for National and International Conflict Resolution and Peace Building.”, renowned theatre scholar Professor Duro Oni (Faculty of Arts, UNILAG), emphasised theatre’s power to foster dialogue, cultural exchange and reconciliation in divided societies.
A distinguished panel including Mr. Idris Aregbe (Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture), Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy), Mrs. Tola Akerele
- Mr. Adeniran Makinde (President, NANTAP), Dr. Banwo Adetoro and Prof. Tunji Azeez, enriched the conversation.
Their discourse highlighted theatre’s relevance in diplomacy, community healing, and global collaboration, while calling for stronger institutional support for the creative sector.
The Theatrical Performance session, tagged ‘Erelu Kuti’ featured a historical stage play that brought to life the legacy of Erelu Kuti, a formidable and influential figure in the early history of Lagos.
The play vividly portrayed her strong bond with her brother, Oba Akinsemoyin, ruler of Lagos at the time, and underscored her significant role within the kingdom.
Performed by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture troupe, the production earned resounding applause from the audience.
“Erelu Kuti”, a captivating play written by Prof. Ahmed Yerima and directed by Adeyemi Oluwasegun, is a rich blend of drama, music, and traditional aesthetics. The play dramatises the true-life story of Erelu Kuti, weaving together themes of leadership, resilience, and cultural identity. The performance transported audiences into the heart of Lagos’ heritage, leaving them inspired and deeply moved.
Delivering the closing remarks, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC), reiterated the Council’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue, preserving heritage, and promoting positive cultural evolution in Lagos State.
She emphasised that this celebration is only the beginning, with many more theatrical episodes and drama series to be unveiled before the year ends. Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila extended appreciation to Mr. Idowu Johnson, Director/CEO, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC); Mrs. Titilayo Kaaku, fta, Chairman, NANTAP Lagos Chapter, and her team members
Speaking earlier, immediately after the drama performance, HRH Erelu (Dr. Cheverlier) Abiola Dosumu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, commended the performers for preserving and projecting the rich history of Lagos Island through theatre. She also called on the government to support more theatrical productions across all divisions of Lagos State, noting their importance in educating Lagosians and visitors about the State’s heritage.
The 2026 World Theatre Day celebration, graced by eminent personalities, including the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, Permanent Secretary, MEPB, symbolised the deep cultural roots and royal legacy that theatre continues to preserve and celebrate. It brought together government representatives, theatre practitioners, academics, creatives and cultural enthusiasts in a shared commitment to advancing the arts.
It also served as a reminder of theatre’s enduring relevance as a platform for Advocacy and social change; Cultural identity and preservation, and Dialogue and conflict resolution. The event inspired stakeholders to continue leveraging theatre as a powerful force for unity, storytelling, and societal progress.
Other notable guests present at the event included Mrs. Rainat Ajibike Onigbanjo, Permanent Secretary, WAPA, who represented Mr. Bode Agoro, the Head of Service; Otunba Eric Ni, Chairman, Chinese Community of Lagos; Board of Trustees NANTAP; Ms. Shade Bembatoum-Young, LCCI, UNESCO Constant African Region; His Divine Eminence, Oba Temiadara Ariwajoye, Oba Asa Agbaye, Aare Oba Ogboni Isembaye Agbaye; Chief (Mrs.) Ikimi, The Ejumotan of Warri Kingdom; Asiwaju Bolaji Mendes of the Brazilian Descendant Union; Directors, Management and Staff of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC).
More photos below.
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