The Nigeria Universities Theatre Arts Festival (NUTAF) which took place between 2nd and 7th May 2021 at Gregory University Uturu has continued to attract accolades and praises to the sole host and Proprietor/Chancellor of the university, Prof. Gregory Ibe who attracted the hosting right of the 40-year-old festival.
The festival was the convergence of 13 universities that offer Theatre, Media, and Performing Arts in Nigeria.
Stakeholders have lauded Prof. Ibe, a governorship aspirant in Abia whom they said will deploy similar energy to the business of Abia State and make it a tourist attraction.
Our correspondent gathered that during the festival in Uturu, colourful costumes from different parts of the world were paraded, electrifying dance steps were displayed, as well as music, poetry, prose, and drama.
READ ALSO: Gregory University Uturu; NUTAF’s Best Host In 40years
A statement issued by ProGIMA-Prof Gregory Ibe Media Associates describes Uturu, the host community of the event as cynosure of all eyes while the event lasted.
The statement read in part, “During those days Uturu, indeed Abia became the cynosure of all eyes as both traditional and new media beamed and streamed live colourful images to the world from Gregory University Uturu. It was a welcome departure from the trending stories of insecurity as people threw caution to the wind to unwind.
“Encomiums have subsequently continued to be poured on the sole sponsor of this year’s edition of NUTAF, Prof Gregory Ibe, who as Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu undertook the financial burden of hosting the entire festival. In doing this, Prof Ibe achieved another first by being the first private University to attract the hosting right of the 40-year-old festival.
“On hearing that Prof Ibe is set to run for Governor of Abia, a team of journalists that covered the festival became ecstatic, stating that the state will definitely become a major attraction point for the theatre world and a Mecca of sort for the entertainment industry when he realises his vision. Did I hear someone say vox populi box dei( voice of the people voice of God).”
