The recent celebration at Terra Academy for the Arts marked the graduation of more than 19,000 individuals who have successfully completed a program focusing on acquiring valuable skills in theatre arts and entrepreneurship.
Dedicated to empowering young Nigerians through creative education and entrepreneurship opportunities, TAFTA, a non-profit organization, hosted a grand graduation ceremony for its cohorts two to five at the esteemed Terra Kulture Arena. The academy was established in 2021 by Terra Kulture, Nigeria’s prominent cultural center, with the aim of bridging gaps in the creative industry by offering accessible and innovative training programs in the creative arts field.
Utilizing a comprehensive e-learning curriculum, TAFTA provides specialized courses in areas such as sound design, stage lighting, animation, and scriptwriting, all integrated with entrepreneurship modules to ensure graduates possess a well-rounded skill set.
Emphasizing the importance of tenacity and self-improvement, the visionary founder of TAFTA, Bolanle Austen-Peters, encouraged individuals to recognize their talents and strive for personal and global improvement. Austen-Peters stated, “Look inwards, identify your talents, and utilize them to enhance yourself and the world. The world offers vast opportunities; therefore, exert effort and contribute to a brighter future for all.”
During the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola delivered the keynote address, inspiring graduates to set high aspirations, anticipate obstacles, and continuously work towards enhancing their capabilities.
Ogunsola urged, “I urge all of you to dream big, prepare for challenges, overcome them with perseverance, and consistently strive for excellence in your respective fields.” She further added, “I encourage you not to be hindered by fear and to dedicate yourselves wholeheartedly to your pursuits, as maintaining perseverance and dedication are crucial virtues.”
The graduation event was graced by the presence of Joke Silva, a veteran award-winning actress, and other prominent figures in the industry. TAFTA embarked on its journey with the ambitious goal of enhancing the skills of 65,000 underserved Nigerian youths through innovative creative education and practical training.
