The Nigerian arts and culture industry took centre stage at the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) National Conference, held recently at the prestigious Victoria Garden Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
With the theme: “Maximizing the Potential of Arts and Creativity in Addressing National Challenges,” the conference brought together government officials and industry leaders to highlight the crucial role of the creative sector in national development.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the prestigious “Pillar of Creative Arts” award in acknowledgement of his unwavering commitment and contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s arts and creative industry.
The Governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem. He emphasised the present administration’s continuous support for the creative industry is in recognition of its immense potential in driving social change and economic growth.
“The arts are a powerful tool for communication, education, and social transformation,” he said. “The Lagos State Government remains committed to providing the necessary support to enable the creative industry to flourish.”
In his remarks, the President of TAMPAN, Mr. Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, expressed the association’s gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his constant support for the industry, which he described as unprecedented in the country. He also reiterated the association’s desire for a stronger partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, stressing the need for greater collaboration to move the industry forward.
On his part, Veteran Nollywood actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of integrating practitioners into government initiatives to maximize the industry’s impact. “We believe that by working closely with the Ministry, we can amplify our impact and contribute significantly to addressing the challenges facing our nation,” he stated.
The conference also served as a vibrant showcase of Nigerian culture, featuring captivating dance performances and cultural displays from various TAMPAN chapters across the country. The performances highlighted the rich artistic diversity within the association and reinforced the unifying power of the arts.
With its focus on fostering collaboration and leveraging creativity for national progress, the TAMPAN National Conference underscored the significant role of the arts in shaping Nigeria’s future.
