On Friday February 10, 2023, Terra Academy for The Arts (TAFTA), a provider of world-class creative education, career support, and entrepreneurial opportunities held a lavish graduation ceremony for its 1st cohort at Terra Kulture Arena at Victoria Island, Lagos. The occasion included the conferment of degrees to almost two thousand students who successfully completed its rigorous program on relevant skills in theatre arts and entrepreneurship.
An initiative of Terra Kulture, the creative academy’s goal is to build and empower a community of young Nigerians who will impact the economy and society by transforming the creative industry. The program offered an innovative curriculum with specialised courses in sound design, stage lighting, animation, and scriptwriting, all of which were incorporated with entrepreneurship modules.
The Founder and CEO, Terra Culture, Bolanle Austen-Peters described her motivation for the creative academy’s establishment and congratulated the graduates on a well-deserved accomplishment.
“The dream of TAFTA is a story of possibilities. It was during the pandemic when industries were shutting down and few were harder hit than the creative industry, that we realised how important it is for us to use our creativity to create wealth. At Terra Kulture, we trained hundreds of talents each year who have become superstars in their respective fields, an opportunity we wanted to extend to the greater public.”
“TAFTA was established as a gateway to impacting the lives of young Nigerians. The training we provide allows our graduates to build their entrepreneurial skill sets, ensuring that they are capable of providing for themselves and their families. I am very delighted that what was thought impossible has been made possible. My sincere congratulations to our graduates today who have taken the next steps to transform their lives,” she declared.
Some of the high-profile guests at the event include industry veterans, as well as up-and-coming stars who also had benefited from mentorship under the Terra Kulture umbrella. Special guests include the Minister of Information and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Lai Mohammed CON; President, Nigerian Academy of Letters, Prof. Duro Oni; President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle; award-winning filmmaker, Femi Odugbemi and Nollywood greats such as Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Deyemi Okanlawon, Mike Afolarin amongst others. The ceremony was also hosted by Akah Nnani, a famed Nollywood actor.
During the keynote speech, Alh. Lai Mohammed spoke on the long-term impact of TAFTA’s program on national development.
Nigeria’s creative industry is the new crude oil. Today, Nigeria has taken the world by storm and found itself in the global space, be it through music, movies, fashion, literature, or theatre. As Nigeria’s population comprises a 70% youth demographic, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed, TAFTA could not come at a more auspicious time. I can say with conviction that TAFTA is contributing its quota to the efforts to solve the unemployment crisis in Nigeria. I also want to congratulate the graduates and admonish them to make the best use of this rare opportunity afforded to them. TAFTA continues to be a partner of progress and its efforts are impressive and highly commendable. The Ministry looks forward to exploring greater means of partnerships with TAFTA to extend their invaluable training across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” he declared.
Terra Academy for the Arts was launched in 2021 with the mission to upskill 65,000 underserved Nigerian youths through innovative creative education and practical training strategically designed by handpicked experts in the creative industry. The initial program runs for six weeks, with an additional two-week practical workshop designed to ensure the hands-on application of the course materials. Notable alumni from the academy include Moshood Fattah, best known for his role as ‘Michael’ in Netflix’s hit series “Far From Home”; Queen Celestine, theatre artist and Miss Nigeria Universe 2014, and Bunmi Olunloyo, actor, dancer and fitness instructor.
In 2022, TAFTA expanded its offerings with the announcement of the opening of six physical learning centres for students who lack access to the internet, electricity, or compatible devices. The academy also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria (SWGN) to strengthen the support offered to students by easing the admission process into the professional guild.
TAFTA’s training program is set to receive its 2nd cohort of students with the recent announcement of its reopened admissions portal. The academy has urged interested parties located in Lagos, Ogun, and Kano states to submit their application for the free program on their website. The minimum qualification required to be eligible for enrollment is a senior secondary school certificate. Expectedly, the e-learning driven courses will impart relevant skills needed to succeed as professionals in the creative industry.
Terra Kulture Arts and Studios Limited (formerly Terra Kulture Limited – The Nigerian Cultural Centre) is an educational and recreational organisation set up in 2003 to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts, and culture. Terra Kulture has organised over 200 art exhibitions, no fewer than 150 plays, book readings, and language classes for thousands. Its’ sister company, Bolanle Austen-Peters Production (BAP) has toured internationally with select Nigerian plays in three different continents, directed and produced award-winning movies.
L—R] Mr. Joseph Umoibom, Academy Lead, TAFTA; Prof. Duro Oni, President, Nigerian Academy of Letters; Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder, TAFTA; Alhaji Lai Mohammed CON, Minister of Information and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Rev Olasupo Ayokunle, President, Christian Association of Nigeria; and Mr. Olukayode Olusope, Senior Program Manager, TAFTA at the graduation ceremony of its 1st cohort
