FCTA MOVES TO PARTNER NATIONAL TROUPE TO PRESERVE NIGERIA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE
By: Shaka Sunday and Achi Ejith Kalu
In a renewed effort to safeguard Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to partner with the National Troupe of Nigeria to strengthen the promotion and preservation of the nation’s diverse traditions.
This development followed a courtesy visit by the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the troupe, Kaltume Bulama Gana, to the Honourable Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud.
The meeting, held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture in Abuja, focused on exploring collaborative strategies to deepen cultural engagement and preservation.
Representing the minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Olubunmi Olowookere, welcomed the delegation and praised the National Troupe for its sustained role in projecting Nigeria’s cultural identity both locally and internationally.
She described the proposed partnership as timely, noting that it aligns with the Secretariat’s mandate to enhance social cohesion and improve the quality of life for residents of the FCT.
According to her, culture remains a vital tool for community bonding and national identity.
“Culture is the mirror of society,” she said, emphasizing that preserving heritage goes beyond artistic expression to include shaping values and sustaining history for future generations.
Addressing one of the troupe’s key needs, the minister assured the delegation that their request for a dedicated rehearsal space would receive due consideration, underscoring the importance of providing adequate infrastructure for the creative industry to flourish.
Earlier, Gana highlighted the critical role of performing arts in fostering unity and national consciousness, especially in an increasingly globalized world. She stressed that collaboration among government institutions is essential to prevent the erosion of traditional dances, folklore, and cultural practices.
Describing the National Troupe as Nigeria’s flagship cultural ambassador, she noted that partnerships with agencies such as the FCTA are crucial to expanding cultural outreach, particularly at the grassroots level.
She also made a passionate appeal for administrative support, including the allocation of a secure and functional rehearsal hub for performers.
“As we prepare for both local and international engagements, access to a conducive rehearsal environment remains one of our most pressing needs,” she said, adding that such support would significantly boost the troupe’s productivity and readiness.
In her remarks, the Director of the FCT Department of Arts and Culture, Ogugua Ngozi, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working closely with the National Troupe.
She described the initiative as a promising step toward stronger inter-agency collaboration, capable of ushering in a new era of cultural promotion and development within the FCT and across Nigeria.
