SPAN strengthens governance, expands impact through bew board of governors

By Godwin Okondo

THE Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and creative development with the inauguration of a new Board of Governors, a move stakeholders say will deepen the organisation’s impact and drive its next phase of growth.

Speaking on the organisation’s collaborative efforts, the Bolanle Adewole, Executive Director of The Learning Place and The Learning Place Centre, highlighted SPAN’s alignment with institutions focused on human development and purposeful living. She noted that SPAN’s emphasis on creativity, innovation, and empowerment resonates strongly with her organisation’s mission of nurturing children, including those with autism and other developmental disorders.

Adewole explained that The Learning Place operates as an inclusive Montessori school for neurotypical children, while its Centre caters specifically to children with autism and related conditions through full-day specialised programmes. According to her, the partnership with SPAN is particularly impactful because of its practical, arts-based approach, which supports the learning styles of many children on the autism spectrum, especially visual learners.

She stressed the importance of recognising individual strengths, noting that every child possesses innate abilities that can be developed through tailored intervention. Adewole also drew attention to “twice exceptional” children—those who demonstrate high ability in specific areas while also living with developmental challenges—emphasising the need to shift focus from perceived limitations to their strengths. She added that SPAN shares this philosophy by creating opportunities for children to express themselves and grow through the arts.

On governance, Olufunmi Olajuyigbe described the inauguration of the Board of Governors as a significant and welcome development. She expressed optimism that the diverse expertise of the new members would contribute to greater progress and expansion for SPAN. According to her, the calibre of individuals appointed signals a promising future for the organisation.

Front row: Stephanie Busari (left); BoT member, Pastor Olufunmi Olajoyegbe; founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos and Leticia Bertrand
Back row: Mr. Andrew Nahman (left); Mr. Michael Smith; Yorg Steckhan and Yemi Alakija

Addressing perceptions about the arts, Olajuyigbe urged Nigerians to reconsider views that relegate creative expression to the margins of society. She argued that the arts play a vital role in cultural exchange, education, and social transformation, with the capacity to drive economic development and foster unity across diverse communities.

Also speaking, Stephanie Busari, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBB Media and former CNN Bureau Chief for Africa, recounted her personal experience with SPAN, which began through her involvement in the Debutante Ball. She shared how one of her mentees, a Chibok schoolgirl, benefited from SPAN’s training, gaining confidence and communication skills that enhanced her stage presence.

Busari noted that her engagement with SPAN deepened over time, culminating in her appointment to the Board of Governors. She described the organisation as a powerful force that has transformed the lives of many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to her, the long-term commitment of participants, some of whom have remained with SPAN for over a decade, reflects the organisation’s enduring impact.

Founder Sarah Boulos explained that the establishment of a Board of Governors complements the existing Board of Trustees, which functions primarily in an advisory and ownership capacity. She stated that the new board will focus on operational oversight, particularly as SPAN advances plans to develop a performing arts centre.

Boulos also revealed her intention to step back from day-to-day management after more than two decades of leadership, noting the importance of succession and sustainability. She said the transition would allow her to concentrate on her core strength in training and empowerment, while a dedicated team handles implementation and administration.

In addition, she outlined plans for a SPAN franchise model aimed at supporting graduates to establish their own creative enterprises. The initiative is designed to provide continuity, enabling beneficiaries to remain connected to SPAN while contributing to community development. She cited the example of a former participant who has successfully launched her own studio while maintaining ties with the organisation.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that the new governance structure, combined with SPAN’s expanding programmes, positions the organisation to play an even greater role in shaping Nigeria’s creative and developmental landscape.