National Theatre Takes Creative Summit To Kano For First Time Outside Lagos
By MAHMOOD MALIK MUSA (M. M. M.) IBRAHIM
THE National Theatre of Nigeria has taken its Creative Summit to Kano for the first time outside Lagos.
The two-day summit, which opened on Thursday, brings creative economy practitioners together to discuss funding, financial literacy and practical skills.
The organisers said the programme aims to expand access to knowledge, tools and opportunities across Nigeria’s creative sector.
For the National Theatre, the move reflects a broader effort to take creative development beyond Lagos, where many industry resources remain concentrated.
Kano emerged as the first host city because of its strong cultural and creative heritage. The city houses Kannywood, one of Nigeria’s major film industries, and boasts a long tradition in the performing arts.
Speaking at the opening, National Theatre General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Tola Akerele, said the choice of Kano was deliberate.
She said the summit recognised the city’s longstanding contribution to Nigeria’s creative life.
According to her, creative energy exists across the country and should not remain concentrated in Lagos.
The programme also seeks to help practitioners gain access to funding, knowledge and business opportunities closer to where they work.
Meanwhile, Kano State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Aisha Saji, highlighted the state’s cultural heritage.
She cited the Kofar Mata dye pits and the ancient city walls as examples of Kano’s rich history and its potential to support a growing creative economy.
During the summit, Chocolate City Group Chairman Audu Maikori led a session on intellectual property.
He explained practical ways for creatives to protect their work. He also stressed the importance of documenting creative processes from the beginning.
“Your work is not protected because you made it. It is protected because you can prove you made it, and when,” Mr. Maikori said.
Bayo Omoboriowo, Founder of Madhouse by Tikera Africa, focused on financial fitness and business structures.
He explained how sound financial practices can improve a creative enterprise’s chances of attracting investors and accessing funding.
Edward Israel-Ayide, Founder and CEO of Carpe Diem Solutions, rounded off the opening day with a session on communication and professional visibility.
He argued that genuine expertise, rather than self-promotion, should form the foundation of a creative professional’s public reputation.
The summit is organised in partnership with the European Union, iDICE and the Kano State Government.
It forms part of a wider Federal Government drive to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event is holding at the Afficent Events Centre in Kano.
