By 1988, with the launching of the cultural policy for Nigeria, the National Troupe of Nigeria was formally included in the policy as a formal arm of Government.  It was initially run as a branch of the performing Arts Division within the Federal Department of Culture under the supervision of the then Sole Administrator of Culture – Col. Tunde Akogun (rtd).

During this same Period too, Government approved the appointment of Hubert Ogunde as the first Artistic Director / Consultant for the Troupe.  He was to organize a formal formation of the National Troupe of Nigeria.  Chief Ogunde was to also embark on what was later to be tagged “The Ososa Experiment” – This later became the nucleus of the artistes of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

The objective of the Ososa Experiment was to prepare Nigeria’s representation for the Commonwealth Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland and to also convince Government that a group of artistes could be put together, organized and trained for the specific purpose of performance and future representations of Nigeria in both National and International engagements.  The success of the experiment thus led to the formal establishment of the National Troupe of Nigeria in September 1989.  In 1991, the Troupe haven thus developed was granted the status of a full fledged parastatal by Decree 47 of October, 1991 titled “The National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria Management Board Decree”.

 Programmes and Activities of the National Troupe of Nigeria 

Training of Artistes

The training of Artistes from all States of the Federation and FCT for the next two years.  These artistes will in turn go back to the States to train other people.  The Troupe is involved in Training the Trainers programme. 

Play Reading Sessions

The introduction of the Play Reading Sessions (PRS) to foster play reading culture amongst Nigerians as well as encourage the writing of new works and publications in the performing arts. 

Experimental Plays Festival (EXPLAFEST)

The introduction of the Play Directors Project (DP) was initiated to encourage young and           budding Theatre Directors to acquire better skills and experience in Professional Theatre Directing. 

Youth Choir

The National Troupe Youth Choir (NTYC) is also a forum to enhance the Development of young talents in music and choral rendition.

Children / Youth Theatre

the National Troupe Children’s Theatre Workshop (NTCTW) is also an avenue to develop the creative and imaginative potentials of children through role-playing, puppetry, singing, dancing, crafts making and story telling.  It is also a forum to awaken their interests in the performing arts and cultural ethos of Nigeria.  The Youth Theatre also took part in Contacting the World Youth Art Exchange, Manchester, UK in 2002.

Public Lectures Series

The Public Lecture Series (PLS) is also a strategy to combine theatre praxis and dialectics.  It is a forum where the stakeholders in the cultural sector meet to brainstorm and think out the ways forward.

Collaboration with Other Organisations

Collaborations with NANTAP, LUFODO Production, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Lagos State Government, Chevron, Glover Hall, French Cultural Centre, DEVNET, etc., in the presentation of performances that enhanced the socio-cultural re-engineering of Nigeria.

NAPEP – Graduate Employment Scheme

National Troupe of Nigeria is an active participant in the NAPEP – Graduate Employment Scheme.

Provision of Jobs for Nigerian Artistes

In the year 2002, the National Troupe of Nigeria provided jobs on permanent and temporary bases for over a hundred Nigerian Freelance / Guest Artistes during its numerous activities and productions.

Provision of Technical / Financial Assistance to performing Arts, Associations and Groups

National Troupe of Nigeria collaborated with and provided technical and financial assistance to some fledgling theatre organizations, the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Dance Guild of Nigeria (DAGON) and some indigent or very sick artistes, etc. 

Programmes and Productions Geared Towards Creative and Sustainable Development

National Troupe of Nigeria in collaboration with the French Cultural Centre, Lagos had eleven (11) Play Reading Sessions (PRS),which promoted the works of budding Nigerian playwrights.  Similarly, the Troupe also in collaboration with the French Cultural Centre Lagos, organized the Experimental Plays Festivals (EXPLAFEST 2002) which also provided jobs for young Nigerian play Directors and Artistes.

Cultural Diplomacy

Cultural Diplomacy as a significant policy of the present Federal Government, is also the mainstay of the National Troupe of Nigeria.  The Troupe is the Cultural Ambassador of Nigeria.  It has exhibited this by its successful cultural exchange tours of more than twenty countries so far.

World Song Festival, China (May, 1999)

The National Troupe of Nigeria won the Vase of Honour and a Merit Award at the World Song Festival in China in May, 1999.  It was the first and only African country that was accorded recognition and invitation at the World Song Festival.

Millennium Performance of  “Attahiru” (December ‘99 / January, 2000)

The Federal Government commissioned the National Troupe of Nigeria to write and produce the Millennium Play.  Attahiru which was written by Ahmed Yerima and directed by Bayo Oduneye was successfully produced as the Millennium play for the Presidency and general public in December, 1999 and January, 2000 at Abuja and Lagos respectively.

“Rites of Passage”, OPEC Summit – Caracas, Venezuela (September, 2000)

The National Troupe was the only African contingent invited to the OPEC Summit in Caracas, Venezuela to perform a dance – drama.  The performance was very successful that the trip was further extended for special performances in two major cities in Venezuela.  This was in September, 2000.

Performances for President Clinton’s visit and the National Assembly (Aug. / Sept., 2000)

The Artistic Director and members of the Troupe’s management helped in supervising the cultural performance for President Bill Clinton’s State visit between 26^th – 28^th August, 2000 and that of the National Assembly on 25^th August, 2000.

40^th Independence Celebrations (September, 2000)

The National Troupe also helped in Liaising and Coordinating the 40^th Independence Celebrations Carnival in Lagos at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square – 30^th September, 2000.

Hanover Expo 2000, Germany (October, 2000)

Nigeriana a dance-drama by the National Troupe of Nigeria was acclaimed as the most outstanding performance amongst all the cultural events from other invited countries in Hanover Expo 2000 in Germany.

Chants of Two Seasons (December, 2000 / January, 2001)

The National Troupe produced a joint musical / choral production integrating Christian and Muslim songs for the Christmas and Ed-El-Fitr celebrations to promote religious harmony and tolerance within the Nigerian society.

 “The Sisters” (March / April, 2001)

Celebrating the International Women’s Day (March, 2001 / April 2001), the National Troupe of Nigeria had a successful production of “The Sisters” by Ahmed Yerima to commemorate the International Women’s Day, 2001.  The production also featured during the Easter period in collaboration with Lufodo productions.

First Public Lecture (March, 2001)

In the bid to bridge the gap between theatre praxis and dialectics, the National Troupe introduced the public lecture series.  The first public lecture entitled “Nationalism and National Theatre: The Example of Nigeria” was successfully delivered by Professor Dapo Adelugba.

Collaboration with NANTAP and GOND (March / April, 2001)

The National Troupe was a major collaborator with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and the Guild of Nigerian Dancers (GOND) during the International Theatre Day (March) and World Dance Day (April) celebrations respectively.  The Artistic Director, Dr. Ahmed Yerima presented papers on both occasions while than, the Acting Assistant Director (Drama), Dr. Ojo Rasaki Bakare was given an Award by GOND.

Commencement of the Training of Core Artistes (April, 2001)

The 2^nd of April, 2001 witnessed the commencement of the Training of about fifty (50) artistes drawn from all the States of the Federation and FCT.  The artistes are on secondment from the States for an initial period of two years.

TAFIDA (April, 2001)

The National Troupe collaborated with other artistes from the other parts of Nigeria in the Production of TARIDA by Ahmed Yerima and commissioned by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Kaduna.  The production, which took place on the 7^th of April, 2001 at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel, was in honour of the Late Nigerian Patriot and Statesman General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.  The President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Vice-President and other dignitaries graced it.

“Victims” (OAU Special Summit on HIV / AIDS, April, 2001)

This drama sketch directed by Dr. Bakare Ojo Rasaki, was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Health and was showcased during the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unit (OAU) Special Summit on HIV / AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infections Diseases.  The performance was part of the opening ceremony on the 26^th of April, 2001.

“Nigeriana” at the Muson Festival (April, 2001)

The National Troupe of Nigeria presented a dance – drama “Nigeriana” during the Annual Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Festival at MUSON Hall, Onikan, Lagos on the 30^th of April, 2001.  It was a very successful production too.

It should be recalled that this production was Nigeria’s entry for the Hanover Expo 2000, Germany (October, 2000) that was acclaimed as the most outstanding performance amongst all the cultural events from other invited countries.

Black Heritage Festival (May, 2001)

The National Troupe of Nigeria collaborated with the Lagos State Government in the celebration of the Black Heritage Festival between the 24^th – 27^th May, 2001 at Badagry, Lagos.  The artistic coordination, which was headed by Dr. Ahmed Yerima, blended the performances from the participating States.  The highlights f the Festival were the presentation of “Freedom Dance” and “Cycle of Life” a dance-drama by the National Troupe in conjunction with the Lagos State Arts Council.

Airport Performance for Sanderton Ventures (May, 2001)

The National Troupe of Nigeria had a dance performance on 18^th May at the Presidential Lunge of the Domestic Airport on the occasion of the Foundation laying ceremony of the New Domestic Airport Project by the Minister of Aviation.

Cultural Exchange Workshop with Rotary International Club (May, 2001)

Artistes of the National Troupe of Nigeria had a two-day Workshop 30^th – 31^st, 2001 with Mr. Jay Cook a renowned American Musician who is a cultural Exchange visitor of the Rotary Club.  It was a fulfilling experience for the visitor as well as our artistes.

Highlife Music Show (June, 2001)

This is the National Troupe’s contribution to the celebration of the world Music Day 2001.  It was an attempt to re-enliven and revive the dying highlife music in Nigeria.  In an assemblage of the maestros Band, comprising of some of the Living Legend of the Highlife Music and rendition of the most popular tunes of Highlife, the National Troupe paid a worthy tribute to the Highlife maestros as Bobby Bension, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Ik Dairo, Tunder Osofisan, Rex Lawson, Victor Olaiya, Elder Steve Rhodes, etc.

Chevron 2002 Calendar Project (July, 2001)

In furtherance of its role in the presentation and promotion of Nigeria Cultural Dance and Tourism, the National Troupe is showcasing about thirteen of its dances in pix to the world in the forthcoming 2002 Chevron Calendar.

Play Reading of “Rape of Gidiolu (August, 2001)

The 7^th play reading session of the National Troupe featured Wole Macaulay’s “Rape of Gidiolu”.  The basic objective of this programme, is to encourage playwrights and creative writing amongst Nigerians.  Among titles of unpublished plays read so far include Chinweizu’s “Song of Ochol and Lawino”, Olu Obafemi’s “Scapegoats and Sacred Cows”, Yinka Ola-Williams “Woroko”, Fred Agbeyegbe’s “My Grandfather’s Ghost”, Sikuade’s “Barricades” and Emmy Idegu’s “Idoko”.

Song of a Goat (September, 2001)

The National Troupe of Nigeria showcased this classical play by J.P. Clark Bekederemo to the public at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre, Onikan (6^th – 9^th September) and National Theatre (14^th – 16^th September, 2001).  The play actually projected the Ijaw traditional values and rich cultural heritage.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Presentation of Yemoja in Mexico (October, 2001)

As part of the National Troupe’s statutory function of furthering Bilateral cooperation Agreements on Culture between Nigeria and other countries; the Troupe took part in the Annual Cervantino International Festival in Guannajuato, Mexico with the presentation of Ahmed Yerima’s Yemoja.  The dance – drama was adjudged to be the best entry for the Festival, which attracted over thirty-five countries between the 6^th – 29^th of October, 2001.

Presentation of “The Educators” for UNESCO (November, 2001)

The National Troupe of Nigeria was commissioned by the UNESCO National Commission on Education to produce a play-let on the conflicting issues of curricular development in Nigeria.  This was successfully done with the play-let.  ‘The Educators” and was presented during the UNESCO National Teachers Workshop 2001 at Badagry, Lagos State between the 3^rd – 9^th of November, 2001.

Play Reading of “The Fifth Reason” (December, 2001)

The 8^th Play Reading session featured Aanena Jemitola’s “The Fifth Reason”.  It was significant because the National Troupe decided to shift some focus from the male dominated play-writing world to a budding female playwright for the first time.  It took place at the National Theatre on Friday the 7^th of December, 2001.

Children’s Theatre Production of  “Temi The Dancer” (December, 2001)

The National Troupe of Nigeria in collaboration with Fate Associates presented the dance-drama “Temi The Dancer” at the Glover Memorial Hall on the 9^th of December as part of its Children’s Theatre Workshop Project.

Mbarra (December, 2001 / January, 2002)

National Troupe’s end of the year production “Mbarra” written and choreographed by Arnold Udoka is a dance-drama that illustrates the conflicting trans-generational values of the socialization processes taking place in our Nigerian / African society presently.  It suggest the way forward.

Vengeance is Like the Wind (January, 2002)

Written by Greg Ugbaja for the Play Reading Session in collaboration with the French Cultural Centre, Lagos.

Banti (February, 2002)

Written by Muhammed Rabiu Isah for the Play Reading Session in collaboration with the French Cultural Centre, Lagos.

Tafida (March, 2002)

Commander performance for the Government of Cross River State.

Yemoja (March, 2002)

Written and directed by Ahmed Yerima for FITHEB 2002, Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Ojomolami (March, 2002)

Written by Martin Adaji for the Play Reading session in Collaboration with the French Cultural Centre, Lagos.

Dance Department

Functions

1.         The Dance Department is charged with the responsibility of planning, implementing and evaluating all the Dance related programmes and production of the National Troupe of Nigeria. 

2.         The Dance Department at all times coordinate the Dancers, select the Dances and assist in choreographing the dances of National Troupe of Nigeria.

3.         The Dance Department maintains and preserves the dance repertoire.

4.         The Dance department assists the Director General in the implementation of the objectives and the core mandates in order achieve high artistic productions specifically designed for National and International Tours.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Functions

1.                  The Music Department is charged with the responsibility of planning, implementing and evaluating all the Music related programems and production of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

2.                  The Dance Department at all times coordinate the Musicians, instrumentalist, instruments / musical equipment of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

3.                  The Music Department maintains and preserves the dance repertoire.

4.                  Music Department is charged with the responsibility of scoring all songs / music of the National Troupe of Nigeria, and also ensures that such materials are adequately documented.

5.                  The Music Department assists the Director-General in the implementation of creativity in order to achieve excellence in the performing arts.

DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Functions

1.                  The Drama Department is charged with the responsibility of planning, implementing and evaluating all the Drama related programems and productions of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

2.                  The Drama Department at all times coordinate the Dramatist, select the scripts and assist in directing all the drama related programmes.

3.                  The Drama Department maintains and preserves the Drama repertoire.

4.                  The Drama Department assists the Director in the implementation of discovery and development of talents in the performing arts.

ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT

Introduction

The Administrative Unit is the center point of the day to day activities of the National Troupe of Nigeria.  These include updating personal records; evaluating staff / artistes performance, discipline and motivation of staff; maintaining the flow of information within the National Troupe and between the Troupe and its external public; maintaining the balance of communication between management, staff and artistes, as well as between the Troupe, the Ministry and other Government Agencies, assisting the Management of the Troupe in setting organizational targets and goals; helping to realize the statutory objective of the Troupe and the implementation of other Government policies, etc.

Personnel / Administration Records

(a)                The Admin. Unit maintains the Personnel and Confidential records and files of staff and artistes of the National Troupe.

(b)        The Unit updates the nominal / personnel rolls of the National Troupe. 

(c)        The Unit through its manual and electronic system help to maintain all the administrative files of the National troupe of Nigeria. 

Staff Performance, Evaluation, Discipline and Motivation 

(a)                The Admin. Unit in the processing of Annual Emolument forms, Annual Performance Evaluation Reports; Processing of Staff Variations / Increment; Implementing disciplinary directives as well as preparing suitably qualified staff for screening and promotion exercises. 

(b)               The Admin. Unit processes all recruitment documents of staff and artistes; verify qualifications and educational claims; the unit processes staff / artistes identification papers, as well as casual / annual leave certificates, etc. 

(c)        The Unit also helps in assessing and evaluating staff / artistes productivity and performance through appropriate recommendations for the annual Artistic Director’s staff awards. 

MANAGING THE INFORMATION SYSTEM OF THE NATIONAL TROUPE 

(a)        The Admin. Unit coordinates the receipt and acknowledgement of all correspondence of the National Troupe. 

(b)        It evolves all the internal circular / memos as well as help implement all circular from the Head of Service, Ministry and Board, etc. 

(c)        The Admin. Unit prepares progress reports; documents, minutes of meetings and keep records of the Troupe’s programmes, productions and profile. 

(d)        The Unit assists in organizing management, staff committees and sub-committee meeting. 

DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS / ADMINISTRATION OF NATIONAL TROUPE 

(a)        The Admin. Unit evolves schedule of duties for all members of staff as well as the training schedules of staff / artistes. 

(b)        The Unit is involved in short and long term planning schedules of the National Troupe of Nigeria. 

(c)        The Admin. Unit ensures the planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, control, directing, evaluating and budgeting of the day-to-day activities of the National Troupe of Nigeria. 

IMPLEMENTING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND NATIONAL TROUPE OBJECTIVES 

(a)        The Admin. Unit has been assisting the Artistic Director of the National Troupe in implementation of such Federal Government Policies as Creative Self-Reliance; Cultural Renaissance / Diplomacy; Advancing Culture through Tourism, Retraining of staff in Information and Technology and Manpower Development and enhance service delivery in government owned public institutions. 

(b)        Assisting the Director-General and Management in realizing the statutory objectives fo the National Troupe of Nigeria, thus encouraging the National Troupe to maintains its significance as the flagship Cultural Ambassador of Nigeria (CAN), especially in cultural diplomacy and image reengineering.