The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Abuja Performing Arts Summit (APAS), a landmark gathering aimed at revitalizing the performing arts industry in the nation’s capital.
The announcement was made during NANTAP FCT’s June Congress, held at the Arts Pavilion, Area 10, Abuja, under the leadership of the chapter chairman, Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo.
Scheduled to take place in September 2025, the one-day summit will be themed *“Charting New Paths: Strengthening the Performing Arts Ecosystem in the FCT.”* It is expected to bring together a broad range of stakeholders including theatre practitioners, dancers, festival curators, educators, cultural agencies, and creative entrepreneurs.
“This summit is not just a meeting; it is a movement—a timely platform to reshape the narrative of performing arts in the capital city, deepen industry conversations, and align with national creative economy goals,” Adesewo said while addressing members at the Congress.
To oversee the planning and execution of the event, a seven-member Planning Committee was inaugurated. The committee is co-chaired by veteran actor and director Patrick Otoro, fta, and Distinguished Thespian Esther Onwuka, fta, who also served as the immediate past Deputy President of NANTAP.
Other members of the committee include Sandra Adeyeye Bello (Secretary), Abdufatai Otori, Victor Nwejinaka, William Obasi, and Nwanyinma Okeanu. The committee is tasked with developing the programme framework, mobilising partnerships, curating speakers and performers, and managing logistics for the September event.
In a related development, the State Executive Council also unveiled the NANTAP FCT Advisory Council, in accordance with the association’s constitution. The newly constituted Council comprises seasoned theatre professionals and is expected to offer guidance and strategic support to the chapter’s leadership.
Members of the Advisory Council include:
* Distinguished Thespian Dotun Osunsanya, fta
* Distinguished Thespian Lantana Ahmed, fta
* Distinguished Thespian Kayode Aiyegbusi, fta (Immediate Past Chairman, NANTAP FCT)
* Thespian Francis Duru, renowned stage and screen actor
* Distinguished Thespian Esther Onwuka, fta
Speaking on the Council’s mandate, Adesewo said, “The Advisory Council will serve as a sounding board for the state executive, ensuring institutional memory, mentorship, and continuity.”
With the launch of the performing arts summit and the establishment of the Advisory Council, NANTAP FCT is positioning itself to lead a transformative phase for the performing arts sector in Abuja, focusing on capacity building, creative collaboration, and industry visibility.
