Origins & Founding
The idea of a standing National Troupe of Nigeria first emerged in the wake of FESTAC ’77, which underscored the urgent need for a permanent cultural ensemble. By the 21st meeting of the Presidents-in-Council in July 1983, the Federal Government formally approved the concept, but it wasn’t until 22 March 1989 that Chief Hubert A. Ogunde was appointed as Artistic Director/Consultant, officially kick-starting NTN’s journey. His appointment drew together an initial cohort of one hundred artistes, setting a benchmark for excellence in performance and cultural preservation. From that moment, NTN’s mandate has been clear: to celebrate Nigeria’s diverse heritage through world-class dance, music and drama.
Ososa Experiment & Early Milestones
Chief Ogunde’s “Ososa Experiment” became the crucible in which the troupe’s first productions were forged—melding traditional folk forms with modern staging techniques. Under his guidance, those early performances toured key states, drew press acclaim, and demonstrated the troupe’s potential as a tool for national unity. Corporate bodies soon requested custom productions for high-profile events, including CHOGM 2003, Presidential inaugurations (2015–date) and the Abuja Carnival, cementing NTN’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier cultural ambassador.
Formal Establishment & Mandate
In 1991, by Decree No. 47 (later enacted as an Act of the National Assembly in 2004), NTN was enshrined as a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. Since then, the troupe has packaged high-art productions for audiences across Africa, Europe, North America and Asia, showcasing everything from chamber concerts to large-scale dance festivals. Today, our core objectives are to:
- Encourage creativity and excellence in the performing arts
- Discover, develop and empower new talent
- Ensure productions reflect national aspirations and shine on international stages
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