Reliving the National Theatre’s Celebration of Creativity 

Yinka Olatunbosun

The National Theatre, Lagos, came alive early last month as it hosted the 6th edition of the annual National Theatre Festival of Unity (NATFU), a two-day celebration that blended culture, heritage, contemporary performances, and youth creativity.

Held from December 6 to 7 at the Entrance A Lawn of the National Theatre in Iganmu, last year’s festival ran with the theme, “The Return: Back to Our Roots, Forward to the Future.”

For two days, audiences were treated to lively cultural displays, spoken word sessions, contemporary dance, live music and several community-driven activities designed to highlight Nigeria’s diversity.

According to the organisers, the theme was designed to reflect a return to heritage while imagining a stronger, united future. It also served as a call to honour ancestral legacies while building a contemporary cultural space that includes new voices.

“Our roots ground us, and our future inspires us,” the organisers noted. “Together, let’s embrace the return of our stories and the promise of a shared destiny.”

The General Manager and CEO, National Theatre (now Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts), Mrs. Tola Akerele said the Festival of Unity remains a platform for national bonding.

“We are a country of diverse tribes and languages, but also interesting cultures,” she said. “The idea is to use culture as a tool to unite Nigerians irrespective of age and tribe.”

Akerele explained that this year’s programme introduced more contemporary elements and youthful participation.

“It’s younger, more energetic and more innovative,” she said. “You’re going to have contemporary dance companies, spoken word, music and emerging performers.”

She expressed appreciation to Sterling Bank for sponsoring the event, adding that the support helped amplify the festival’s vision.

The festival, she noted, deliberately featured young performers because the country itself is youthful.

“Nigeria is young, 60 percent of the population is under 30,” she said.  “Many of the dancers and artists you see here are young.  They are part of the creative future we are building.”

Likewise, Chief Henry Amarachi Ndubisi, Director of Marketing at the National Theatre said the festival has grown remarkably since inception.

“This year’s event is top-notch. When we look at where we started, it shows that we are truly moving forward,” he said.

Ndubisi emphasised that NATFU is also a talent-discovery platform that aims to groom future cultural icons. “We want to use it to discover talents—people who will become the next celebrated Nigerian artists,” he said.

Alex Njoko, Special Assistant to the GM/CEO National Theatre said the festival reflects unity across ethnic groups.

“We are showcasing diversity from Igbo to Hausa to Yoruba to Benin and beyond,” he said. “It brings family, culture, old and young together.”

The event was sponsored by Sterling Bank Limited, whose tents and brand presence were visible throughout the festival grounds.

While speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Donatus Kpako, who is the Chief Marketing Officer, said the bank was proud to support such a unifying cultural event.

“This is a different kind of experience for us and for families here,” he said, describing the festival as an opportunity to promote unity and peace.

For the two days, visitors enjoyed traditional games including ayo and stack-card games, alongside craft activity corners, Nigerian delicacies, and cultural showcases.

The festival featured Segun Adefila’s band, the National Troupe alongside young musicians, cultural dancers including groups from Chocolate City and other artistic collectives.