Events

TheatreMania Africa Launches GNT Theatre Initiative

Published

6 months ago

May 22, 2026

TheatreMania Africa partners Corona Secondary School for a theatre mentorship and stage production programme to train young creatives in Agbara

TheatreMania Africa, a leading arts development organisation, on Thursday, 4 June 2026, launched a partnership with Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State, for the Generation Next Theatre Initiative, a youth-focused creative programme designed to strengthen theatre education and professional exposure.

Also read: Mercy Aigbe Celebrates Sola Sobowale in Touching Tribute

The Generation Next Theatre Initiative is structured as a dual programme combining mentorship and live performance, aimed at bridging academic learning with real-world experience in the creative arts sector.

The initiative begins with the Master Circle mentorship session scheduled for Thursday, 4 June 2026, at 4:00 pm, where students will receive practical guidance from seasoned theatre practitioners and industry experts.

This will be followed by a stage production titled “Whispers 4.0” on Friday, 5 June 2026, also at 4:00 pm, featuring students in a live performance designed to showcase their creative development and training outcomes.

Distinguished professionals participating in the programme include Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele, Bukola Thomas and Tomiwa Songonnuga, alongside corporate and creative leaders such as Julius Olaolu Oyekanmi, Managing Director of Finnova Tech, Alayande Stephen T., Chief Executive Officer of TheatreMania Africa, Paul Uwagbai, founder of Black Image Theatre, and Dr. Ochuko Odesa.

Organisers said the involvement of both creative and corporate experts is intended to expose students to multidisciplinary perspectives that support their artistic and personal development.

Speaking on the initiative, Alayande Stephen described it as a structured platform for nurturing emerging talent in the arts.

He said the programme goes beyond performance to provide practical mentorship that prepares students for professional careers in storytelling and theatre production.

“The GNT Initiative is more than just a performance; it is a laboratory for the next generation of African storytellers,” he said. “By bringing industry players into the school environment, we are ensuring that these students receive practical, quality guidance that transcends the classroom.”

He added that the project forms part of the build-up activities for the TheatreMania Africa Festival 2026.

Also read: Mercy Aigbe Celebrates Sola Sobowale in Touching Tribute

Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele also described the initiative as a valuable tool for youth development, noting that theatre remains a powerful medium for shaping creativity, discipline and communication skills among young people.

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Events

Hamzat, Kola Adesina, Liakouris to Headline Real Talk With Kike @7

Published

1 month ago

September 27, 2026

Basit Saba

Organisers of Real Talk With Kike have unveiled a high-profile lineup of speakers for the programme’s seventh anniversary celebration, which will also commemorate ace broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati’s more than 20-year journey in the Nigerian media industry.

The milestone event will hold on October 10, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, bringing together leaders from government, business, media and culture for conversations on Nigeria’s future.

Leading the keynote sessions are Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and Mr Vlassis Liakouris, Group Managing Director of Mandilas Group Limited.

Also confirmed as distinguished speakers are Mr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, and Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder of Rise Network, while Mrs Bola Adesola, Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Nigeria, will deliver the goodwill message.

The speakers will engage the theme, “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture and Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” exploring how governance, enterprise, innovation and storytelling can shape national development.

According to the organisers, the theme reflects the philosophy that has defined Real Talk With Kike over the past seven years as a platform for meaningful conversations on leadership, society, business, relationships, culture and contemporary issues affecting Nigeria.

For Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, the celebration marks two significant milestones. Beyond the programme’s seventh anniversary, it also celebrates more than two decades of broadcasting, making the occasion a tribute to longevity, impact and the power of dialogue.

The multidisciplinary speaker lineup mirrors the event’s nation-building focus. Hamzat is expected to share perspectives on public leadership and governance, while Adesina and Liakouris will discuss private-sector leadership, enterprise and innovation. Akerele-Ogunsiji will contribute insights on education, youth development and innovation, with Adesola bringing the perspective of corporate governance and financial-sector leadership.

The October gathering is expected to attract policymakers, business executives, media personalities, creatives and guests who have been part of the Real Talk With Kike journey since its inception, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for thought-provoking conversations.