As a philanthropist, Adedayo has made significant contributions to public service, including the donation of a Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) to the Lagos State Government. His support for education, health, and empowerment programs reflects his dedication to community development
Photo: Adedayo Thomas being robed by Mahmoud Ali Balogun, fta, NANTAP BOT Chair and NANTAP President, DT Israel Eboh, fta
Speaking after the investiture
THE pinnacle of events at the recently-concluded National Delegates Convention of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (NANTAP) in Asaba, Delta State, was the recognition of Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board. Among the 15 distinguished individuals, he was conferred with the prestigious title of ‘Fellow of the Theatre Arts’ (FTA).
The investiture ceremony took place on Saturday, November 11, in the multipurpose hall of the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba. Professor Duro Oni, Chairman of the Board of Fellows (BOF), and NANTAP’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Mahmood Ali Balogun, presided over the ceremony, joined by various dignitaries and fellows.
The ‘Fellow of the Theatre Arts’ is the highest accolade bestowed by the association upon theatre practitioners, recognising their significant contributions to theatre practice in Nigeria or their impact as Nigerian theatre ambassadors globally. Those honoured are referred to as ‘Distinguished Thespians,’ denoted by the acronym ‘fta’ placed after their names.
In response to the award on behalf of all FTA awardees, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas expressed profound gratitude to the National Executive Council, led by Distinguished Thespian Israel Eboh, fta, for the honour. He acknowledged the presence of esteemed individuals, including a renowned professor of theatre, humbly recognising his own role as a director-general.
“I am most honoured to be so honoured. But who am I, to speak on behalf of all the awardees, where one of us is a renowned professor of Theatre? Because I am a director-general? What is DG, where you have a professor, a moulder of destiny. Who am I? Honour must be given to whom honour is due.” He said, yielding the floor to Professor Gbemisola Adeoti, to respond on behalf of the awardees.
Adedayo Thomas, currently in his second tenure as the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), is a versatile professional with a background in journalism, liberal political and economic advocacy, theatre arts, criticism, and philanthropy. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from the University of Jos and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, respectively.
As a dedicated advocate for a free society, Adedayo has actively contributed to developmental and policy discussions. He has served in various capacities, including as the head of committees during the Transition Committee constituted by the Lagos State Government in 2015/16.
In addition to his role at NFVCB, Adedayo is the Executive Director/Publisher of the African Liberty Organisation for Development (ALOD) and the Africa Regional Director of the Language of Liberty Institute, USA. He holds an MBA in Think-Tank Management from the Atlas Economic Research Foundation in Washington D.C. and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna.
Apart from extensive research work, Adedayo has written and presented numerous papers on economic development, theatre arts, conflict, good governance, and democracy at national and international conferences. His commitment to a free society is evident in his advocacy work across English-speaking African institutions.
As a philanthropist, Adedayo has made significant contributions to public service, including the donation of a Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) to the Lagos State Government. His support for education, health, and empowerment programs reflects his dedication to community development.
Fondly known as Dayo Aduke-Thomas in social circles and referred to as ‘Obama’ by youths and political colleagues, Adedayo is recognised for his love for music and great ideas. His recent recognition by NANTAP adds another feather to his cap, acknowledging his impactful contributions to the Nigerian theatre landscape.
Adedayo Thomas, with Esther Onwuka, fta, the National Deputy President of NANTAP
