ABITFA 2025 to honour Ben Tomoloju, Adesewo Fayaman Bay with awards
By Editor
THE second edition of the Abuja International Theatre Festival & Awards (ABITFA) which ended on on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Brazilian Embassy Theatre in Abuja, spotlighted individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s theatre industry. Among the highlights of the event was the announcement of new award categories for the third edition in 2025 designed to honour cultural icons and contributors to the Nigerian arts space.
At the opening ceremony, ABITFA’s Festival Director, Jerry Adesewo, underscored the importance of recognising those whose efforts have nurtured Nigerian theatre, remarking, “These awards are a tribute to theatre practitioners and individuals who have tirelessly advanced the growth of Nigerian theatre.”
This year’s awardees included the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism in Ekiti State, Professor Ojo Rasaki Bakare, who received the ABITFA Impact Award. Bakare’s award celebrated his instrumental role, alongside Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, in establishing the Ekiti State Endowment Fund for the Arts. This initiative has already provided ₦200 million in funding for the state’s cultural and creative industries, with a planned increase to ₦500 million in 2025.
Also honoured was the founder of Rivers of Water Productions, Patrick Otoro, with a Special Recognition Award for sustaining Abuja’s theatre-going culture through consistent productions. Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Otoro made a pledge thus, “We will be committed ambassadors for ABITFA, promoting and enhancing theatre across Nigeria.”
Already, festival director and founder Adesewo has announced possible awardees for the 2025 edition of the cultural project. Reflecting on the legacy of his late elder brother, Adesewo announced the Fayaman Bay Adesewo Award for Solo Performances. This new category will celebrate excellence in solo theatrical performances, beginning with the 2025 edition, in honour of Fayaman Bay Adesewo who was dedicated to theatre and storytelling.
The ABITFA Pen Pal Award—which acknowledges arts journalists for their contributions to theatre and awarded to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of TheArtHubNig (wwwwthearthubng.com) Mr. Anote Ajeluorou this year—will also be renamed in honour of Ben Tomoloju, a veteran playwright, singer, and former editor of The Guardian Arts Desk. 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.”
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.
ABITFA Founder/Director, Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo
