The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) has entered a new phase of institutional growth with the establishment of a Board of Governors to oversee operations and deepen its commitment to youth empowerment and creative development.
Stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that a dedicated governing body will enhance organisational capacity, extend SPAN’s reach, and sustain its growth trajectory.
According to SPAN Founder, Ms. Sarah Boulous, the Board of Governors will operate alongside the existing Board of Trustees, which retains an advisory and ownership role. She explained that the new board will focus on operational oversight, particularly as SPAN advances plans to develop a performing arts centre.
Boulous added that the restructuring will allow her to refocus on SPAN’s core mission of training and empowerment, while an implementation team assumes responsibility for administrative functions.
She also unveiled a franchise model designed to support SPAN graduates in establishing their own creative enterprises. The initiative aims to retain alumni within the SPAN ecosystem, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. She cited the example of a former participant who has successfully launched a studio while maintaining ties with the organisation.
Ms. Bola Adewole, Executive Director of The Learning Place and The Learning Place Centre, said SPAN’s mission aligns closely with initiatives centred on human development and purposeful living. She noted that SPAN’s emphasis on creativity, innovation, and empowerment complements her organisation’s work in nurturing children, including those with autism and other developmental conditions.
Adewole explained that The Learning Place operates an inclusive Montessori school for neurotypical children, while its Centre provides full-day specialised programmes for children with autism and related conditions. She stressed the importance of recognising individual strengths, adding that every child possesses innate abilities that can be developed through tailored interventions.
She further emphasised the need to shift focus from perceived limitations to strengths, noting that SPAN reflects this philosophy by creating opportunities for children to express themselves and grow through the arts.
Ms. Olufunmi Olajuyigbe described the inauguration of the board as a significant milestone, adding that the diversity of expertise among members is expected to drive broader progress. She also called for a shift in public perception of the arts, highlighting their role in cultural exchange, education, social transformation, economic growth, and national unity.
Ms. Stephanie Busari, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBB Media and former CNN Bureau Chief for Africa, reflected on her longstanding relationship with SPAN, which began with the Debutante Ball. She recounted how one of her mentees, a Chibok schoolgirl, benefited from SPAN’s training, gaining confidence and communication skills that improved her stage presence.
Busari noted that her involvement has evolved over the years, culminating in her appointment to the Board of Governors. She described SPAN as a transformative force that has positively impacted the lives of many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
