The Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) has honoured Professor Anjola Anuoluwapo Robbin with its Award of Excellence in Leadership in Theatre, recognising her contributions to theatre development, innovation, cultural preservation and academic leadership.
The award was presented during the 39th International Conference and 40th Annual General Meeting of SONTA, held from August 18 to 21, 2026, at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The conference, themed: “African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Performance, Film and Sustainable Futures,” brought together theatre scholars, practitioners, researchers and stakeholders in the creative industry.
Professor Robbin, a theatre scholar, practitioner, playwright and cultural advocate, was recognised for her efforts to expand the frontiers of theatre practice and strengthen the role of the creative arts in cultural and societal development.
Among her notable contributions is her pioneering of Dinner Theatre in Nigeria, an innovative concept that combines theatrical performance with dining, entertainment, social interaction and intellectual engagement.
The initiative, according to the organisers, demonstrated new possibilities for audience development, creative entrepreneurship and sustainable theatre practice.
Robbin is also the founder and convener of Omoge Asa Cultural Pageantry, a cultural platform designed to empower young women in universities and other higher institutions across South-West Nigeria.
Through the initiative, participants are exposed to leadership, creative and entrepreneurial skills while gaining deeper appreciation of Yoruba and African cultural heritage.
The platform has subsequently developed beyond conventional pageantry to become a vehicle for cultural education, talent development and youth empowerment.
Her contributions also extend to academia, where she pioneered the Department of Performing Arts, Music and Film Studies at Lead City University, establishing an interdisciplinary platform that integrates theatre, music and film studies.
As the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the university, she has continued to promote interdisciplinary scholarship, creative practice, innovation and institutional development.
She has also championed LEAD workshops and other creative capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping students, young creatives and emerging professionals with practical skills for the creative industries.
SONTA said the recognition reflected Professor Robbin’s sustained commitment to using theatre as a tool for education, cultural preservation, innovation and community transformation.
The society noted that her work had demonstrated that theatre could transcend entertainment to serve as an instrument for cultural development, entrepreneurship and societal advancement.
