First International Improv and Playback Theatre Festival Opens in Abuja

ABUJA — The First International Improv and Playback Theatre Festival in Africa opened to a packed audience at the FCT Pavilion on Sunday, with dignitaries urging attendees to view theatre as far more than mere performance – but as a vital instrument for healing, education and social change.

The landmark event, which has drawn participants from across the globe, represents the first time an international festival of its kind has been hosted on the African continent.

Hon. Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, welcomed participants with a powerful message on the transformative potential of creative arts.

“The creative arts are powerful tools for inspiring dialogue, addressing social challenges, and building resilient communities,” Aminu declared, speaking on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

He emphasised that storytelling and participatory theatre play a crucial role in strengthening families, protecting children, promoting gender equality, supporting persons with disabilities, and fostering social cohesion. The Mandate Secretary also highlighted the arts’ capacity to promote healing, inclusion, peacebuilding, mental wellbeing and sustainable community development.

Reaffirming the FCT’s commitment to the arts, Aminu stated: “The FCT Social Development Secretariat remains committed to policies and programmes that empower vulnerable populations.”

He extended his sincere appreciation to the organisers, the Access to Creative Play Foundation, and all partners whose dedication made the unique event possible, noting that their vision demonstrates the transformative power of the arts.

Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, described the festival as a “historic gathering” and “landmark initiative” for the continent, reflecting “the power of creativity, storytelling, and human connection.”

Represented by Nduwhite Ndubuisi Ahanonu, Special Adviser on Culture and Intelligent Systems, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi underscored the broader role of the arts.

“The arts have always been more than entertainment. They are instruments of education, healing, advocacy, and social transformation,” her message read. “Through theatre, communities find their voice, cultures are preserved, difficult conversations become possible, and new possibilities are imagined.”

The Director General singled out Access to Play and Ensemble Improv Theatre for creating a platform that brings together participants from across Africa and beyond. She noted that such collaborations strengthen cultural exchange, foster understanding, and remind people that “shared humanity is often our greatest resource.”

The Maryam Babangida National Centre, which focuses on women, families and society, recognises the transformative role of arts in promoting inclusion, empowerment and sustainable development, she added.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Olubunmi Olowookere, described the opening ceremony as a “historic moment” and thanked all who made it possible.

Olowookere, represented by the Director of Arts and Culture, Mrs. Ngozi Ogugua, noted that bringing an international festival of this scale to the continent “required imagination, perseverance and teamwork” – and that Abuja was chosen as the festival’s first host city in Africa.

She highlighted that facilitators and performers – including humanitarian actors, educators, development practitioners and storytellers from around the world – will explore improvisation and playback theatre as tools for social justice, healing, communication and community resilience over the coming week.

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the governmental and non-governmental partners, cultural and academic institutions, and private sector sponsors whose support made the opening and festival possible. Their contributions, Olowookere said, “demonstrate the transformative value of culture in social development, creativity and community building.”

She extended appreciation to the Director of Arts and Culture, Mrs. Ngozi Ogugua, alongside volunteers and staff of the Department of Arts and Culture and the wider Secretariat, for ensuring the programme ran smoothly.

In her closing remarks, Olowookere expressed hope that Abuja hosting the festival would “mark the beginning of lasting cultural collaboration, mentorship and exchange between artists and communities here and around the world.” She reaffirmed the Social Development Secretariat‘s commitment to nurturing the relationships and opportunities arising from the gathering.

Performances, workshops and exchanges are scheduled to run for the next week, with organisers hopeful that the festival will establish a lasting legacy for African performing arts and social development.