NICO Set To Host SONTA 2015

In a statement signed by Caleb Nor, on behalf of the Conference Convener and Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, who is also an Associate Professor in Nasarawa State University, Keffi, states that the conference with the theme: “Repositioning Nollywood for the Promotion of Nigeria’s Cultural Diplomacy and National Security,” is expected to have His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, as Special Guest of Honour.
The statement further states that His Excellency, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), GCFR, former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria has graciously accepted to chair the occasion, while Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, will be the Keynote Speaker.
Also expected in attendance are stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood), especially those who have the craving for knowledge as their participation will sharpen their skills and further enable them match theory with practice.
The opening ceremony of the conference, which is designed to explore the linkages between Nollywood, Cultural Diplomacy and the current peace and security challenges in the country, will take place on Tuesday, 4th August, 2015 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja-FCT by 10am.
It is expected that SONTA 2015 will provide a veritable platform for the exchange of ideas among theatre arts lecturers from tertiary institutions of learning within and outside Nigeria on how to reposition Nollywood, the 2nd largest film industry in the world, in order for it to contribute significantly to the nation’s development.