October 10, 2025
In a bid to blend learning, leisure, and cultural appreciation, members of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) embarked on a memorable excursion to Badagry, Lagos State, on September 5, 2025.
The trip, which was both refreshing and intellectually stimulating, began with a tour of Badagry’s major historical landmarks, the Slave Museum, the First Storey Building in Nigeria, and the Old Slave Market. At each stop, participants relived fragments of the nation’s past, as curators narrated moving stories of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact on African identity.
After the cultural tour, the delegation proceeded to Suntan Beach, where the atmosphere turned festive and collegial. Distinguished professors, young scholars, and seasoned theatre practitioners came together in a unique blend of scholarship and recreation.
The highlight of the day was a special workshop for SONTA Women, which explored creative leadership and gender inclusion in the arts, alongside the presidential handover and swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected SONTA executive members.
The excursion provided more than a moment of relaxation; it served as a living classroom of history, creativity, and cultural rediscovery. It offered members an opportunity to reconnect with Nigeria’s coastal heritage while reaffirming SONTA’s commitment to using theatre and performance as vital tools for national identity, unity, and cultural tourism promotion.
The trip to Badagry, with its blend of history, scholarship, and camaraderie, will no doubt remain a defining memory in the annals of SONTA’s activities.
– by Dr. Etuwe Ruth Epochi-Olise