ON October 1, the National Theatre came alive as a mammoth crowd made up of both young and old, students and pupils, suckling and lovers, who occupied every nook and cranny of its perimeter, overflowed  the main road close to the entrance gate, forcing vehicles to park wherever there was space.

People exhibited great passion with which they regarded Nigeria as they adorned themselves with the national colours.

Deafening noise was all over from loudspeakers and microphones coming from events organized by different groups. The bukas were jam-packed with good timers and talk of the cinema halls? They were filled to the brim. Teens were seen either going in or out of a particular hall to listen to talks on sexuality or watch accompanying concerts on the same issue.

The main exhibition hall was noticeably the hottest. There were terrifying bouncers at the gate, busy with whips on defaulters, barking like pitbulls making sure none of the anxious fun loving but penniless teenagers stole into the hall.

It was discovered later that ‘Nnenna and Friends’ Independence show, from the stable of Wale Adenuga was going on. The show featured some entertainers and comedians like Bistars, D, Azeez, Skuki, Princess, Sheyi Law and Saco.

Two things were visibly noticed amidst the whole celebration. One, all the offices within the theatre were locked up to observe the special holiday. Two, there was no sight of any white skinned fellow at the arena.

Are these two issues raised in anyway relevant, you may ask? Well, prior to the jubilee celebration, staff and some members  management as earlier noted, hoped that occasion such as this would attract foreigners, especially,  westerners who could make purchase of works as souvenir to their countries.  What a dashed hope?

Come to think of it, if they had graced the occasion, how would they have made purchases when offices were locked?

The National Theatre still has a long way to go, leaving a Herculean task for the Arts and culture ministry to get it fully revitalized.

Lagos photo exhibition
An annual international photography festival titled Lagos Photo: no judgement, Africa under the prism opened last  October 9 at Eko Hotel & Suites by 6.30pm.

The photo exhibition which featured 25 contemporary photographers drawn from renowned international and local artists was organized by African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) headed by Azu Nwagbogu. It used art in public spaces as a medium for increasing social awareness on global issues with a special focus on Africa.
October Rain 2010

The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Lagos, in conjunction with Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, held an exhibition of art and design objects to celebrate Nigeria at 50.

The exhibition, entitled October Rain, 2010 opened by 4pm at the Nike Art Gallery, Lagos, 9th October, 2010.
Guest of honour was Mr. Folusho Philips, the MD/CEO Philips Consulting.