New Artistic Director of National Troupe resumes, promises to revitalize body

The newly appointed Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN), Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, has promised to revitalize and reposition the organization for effective service delivery.

Ahmed made the promise during a meeting with the management and staff of the NTN at the Troupe’s temporary office space at the National Theatre Annex in Lagos, following his formal assumption of office. 

Ahmed, who had earlier held a similar meeting with staff of the Abuja Liaison Office of the NTN, said the body was set for a productive time under his watch.

The retired Director of the Bauch State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, succeeded Comrade Tar Ukoh, who had a fraught relationship with management and staff of the Troupe, especially the unions. 

The Radio, Television, Theatre & Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU)  of the NTN celebrated his departure on Monday, April 12 rapturously, describing his term as a blight.  

Ahmed, whose appointment takes effect from April 30, 2021, has the requisite experience for the role.

He holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos and facilitated many productions during his time in the Bauchi’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.   

As a UNICEF trained ‘Theatre for Development’ practitioner, Ahmed built capacities of over 40 local theatre groups across northern states of Nigeria, including Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa and Kano. 

The Hausa film industry, popularly known as Kannywood, also benefitted from his artistic expertise. 

The specific areas of expertise of the contributor to several cultural journals, including ‘African Women Drama and Performances’, includes community engagement, theatre for development, social behaviour change communication, project management, human resource management, and evidence-based advocacy. 

He is happily married and holds the traditional titles of  Danmalikin Ubandoman Bauchi and Sardaunan Zandam.