Kano Hosts First National Theatre Creative Summit Outside Lagos

The National Theatre of Nigeria kicked off its Creative Summit in Kano on Thursday. This is the first time the summit has happened outside Lagos.

The two-day event brings together people in the creative economy for sessions on funding, financial skills, and hands-on training.

The summit aims to expand access to the tools and chances that the creative economy provides. It wants to reach people beyond the cities where these resources are usually found.

The National Theatre said they chose Kano as the first location to honor its role in Nigeria’s creative scene.

Kano is home to Kannywood, which is one of Nigeria’s main film industries. The city also has a rich history in performing arts.

Tola Akerele, the General Manager and CEO of the National Theatre, spoke at the opening. She explained that choosing Kano was intentional.

Mrs Akerele said a program focused on funding, financial skills, and training belongs in Kano. "Not as an afterthought, but as a recognition of what this city has always contributed to Nigeria’s creative life."

She added, "The summit exists because that same energy and creativity live in every corner of this country, not only in Lagos."

The purpose of the summit is clear. It aims to decentralize access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities in the creative economy. It wants to make them available to practitioners far from the usual urban centers.

This program is in partnership with the European Union, iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises), and the Kano State Government.

Aisha Saji, the state Commissioner for Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, spoke about Kano’s key role in Nigeria’s creative history. She mentioned the Kofar Mata dye pits and the ancient city walls as proof of a heritage that the state is building on.

During his session on intellectual property, Audu Maikori, who is the Chief Strategic Advisor on Intergovernmental Affairs to the Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman of Chocolate City Group, explained how to protect creative work.

He said ownership starts before a piece of work is finished or shared. "Your work is not protected because you made it. It is protected because you can prove you made it, and when," Mr Maikori noted.

He added, "Most creatives lose their rights long before anyone infringes on them, simply by never documenting the work in the first place."

Bayo Omoboriowo, Founder of Madhouse by Tikera Africa, followed with a session on financial fitness and business setups.

He outlined the financial habits and structures that make a creative practice appealing to investors. He framed a solid structure as essential for accessing funding, not just a formality that comes afterward.

Edward Israel-Ayide, Founder and CEO of Carpe Diem Solutions, wrapped up the first day with a talk on positioning through communication. He based his talk on his framework, the visible expert.

He told participants that real visibility, built on true expertise, earns lasting authority in a creative career. "Decisions about your career are made in rooms you are not in. Your reputation is the version of you that shows up when you don’t. Visibility is not vanity. Invisibility is not humility," he said.

The summit is part of a larger national effort by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, led by Minister Hannatu Musawa. This falls under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event is taking place at the Afficent Events Centre in Kano.