The International Improv and Playback Theatre Festival, Africa’s first global gathering focusing on social justice, community engagement, mental health, and resilience building, has officially begun in Abuja.
Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Federal Capital Territory Administration, announced at the opening on Sunday that the festival would showcase Nigeria’s creative sector to the world.
Aminu, represented by Mrs. Nonye Obi, Director of Finance and Accounts, stated that the event brought together creative minds, practitioners, educators, development partners, and advocates from across the globe.
He emphasized that the gathering reaffirms the FCT’s belief that creativity transcends borders and that, together, we can build a more compassionate, inclusive, and resilient society.
Aminu commended the organizers, Access to Creative Play Foundation and its partners, for making this unique event possible.
“Your vision demonstrates the transformative power of the arts in promoting healing, inclusion, peacebuilding, mental well-being, and sustainable community development.
“The FCT Social Development Secretariat remains committed to policies and programs that empower vulnerable populations, strengthen families, protect children, promote gender equality, support persons with disabilities, and foster social cohesion.
“We recognize that creative arts, storytelling, and participatory theatre are powerful tools for inspiring dialogue, addressing social challenges, and building resilient communities,” he said.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of SDS, Mr. Olubunmi Olowookere, noted that organizing such an international festival and bringing it to Africa’s soil for the first time required imagination, perseverance, and teamwork.
Represented by Mrs. Ngozi Ogugua, Director of Art and Culture, Olowookere expressed optimism that the event would mark the beginning of lasting cultural collaboration, mentorship, and exchange among artists and communities.
Also, Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, said the center is working with the ministry to expand and build platforms that help monetize the sector.
Represented by Mrs. Vivian Onyeabo, Director of Human Resources Management, Asika added that the center is collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to ensure proper monetization of Nigeria’s intellectual property.
He also highlighted the importance of embracing Artificial Intelligence as a tool to enhance creative works in art, music, and other fields.
Mr. Oluwadamilola Abdulai-Apotieri, Executive Director of Access to Play, explained that the festival will explore unscripted live theatre performances.
Abdulai-Apotieri, also the Artistic Director of the Ensemble Improv Theatre and curator of the festival, brought together artists, educators, humanitarian and development practitioners, corporate leaders, and community facilitators from Africa and around the world.
He added that the festival will feature hands-on workshops, masterclasses, live interactive performances, and networking sessions.
The workshops will be led by local and international facilitators and will cover performance techniques, facilitation, applied theatre, and ensemble collaboration.
“The festival merges two art forms—Playback Theatre, where real stories shared by the audience are enacted on stage, and Improv Theatre, unscripted performance that connects people through laughter and play.
“It was inspired by creative exchanges from the Vintage Improv Festival, SAVI Improv Festival, and Oslo Improv Festival,” he said.
