As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) has released a powerful message of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to national progress, emphasizing the enduring role of theatre artists in shaping the soul of the nation.
In a statement signed by Prof. Tunji Azeez, FSONTA, FTA, MNAL, President of SONTA, the organization highlighted its 39-year legacy as the intellectual and cultural backbone of theatre, film, and cultural studies across Nigerian higher institutions. With 38 national conferences to its name, SONTA has consistently provided platforms for critical discourse, artistic expression, and social advocacy.
“From the colonial era to independence and through our democratic journey, theatre artists have never been silent in the face of injustice,” the statement reads. “Our stages have been arenas of truth, empathy, and resistance—often extending beyond performance into activism and solidarity.”
SONTA paid tribute to all creative artists in Nigeria—academics, performers, filmmakers, and community storytellers—especially those working with limited resources in local communities and urban centers. Their resilience and belief in the transformative power of performance were described as foundational to Nigeria’s creative future.
As Nigeria looks ahead, SONTA urged artists and cultural institutions to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, digital storytelling, and immersive media to ensure that Nigerian theatre remains relevant and globally competitive.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to national development through deeper engagement with policymakers, advocacy for cultural investment, and the protection of intellectual freedom. “Nigeria is a story still being written,” Prof. Azeez stated. “And we, the artists, are its authors.”
The message concluded with a call to uphold the ideals of truth, justice, empathy, and unity—values that theatre has long championed—and to continue building a nation where creativity thrives and culture leads the way.
