The creative energy in Lagos reached a new high last week as the Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) hosted its inaugural alumni homecoming event, titled ÀRÌRÀ 2025. Held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the iconic Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, the event was more than just a party, it was a powerful statement on the importance of community in the creative industry.
With the theme “ÀRÌRÀ“—which translates to “We See Ourselves”—the gathering brought together alumni from Lagos, Ogun, and Kano states, alongside present students, to celebrate their shared journey. For many, the TAFTA ÀRÌRÀ 2025 Alumni Homecoming was a physical manifestation of the academy’s mission: to not only train creatives but to build a sustainable ecosystem where they can thrive.
A Night of Culture, Creativity, and Connection
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric. The event was designed to strengthen creative bonds, featuring a mix of storytelling sessions, networking opportunities, and spirited inter-cohort competitions that showcased the diverse talents of the alumni.
One of the evening’s most emotional high points was a spoken-word performance by Divinefavour Udechukwu. A proud TAFTA alumna, her delivery explored themes of artistic identity and resilience, earning a rapturous reception from the audience. It was a perfect opener for a night dedicated to “seeing ourselves” and validating the struggles and triumphs of the creative path.
Launching the TAFTA Young Women Advisory Group (YWAG)
While the entertainment was top-notch, the TAFTA ÀRÌRÀ 2025 Alumni Homecoming also served as the launchpad for a critical new development initiative. The academy officially unveiled the TAFTA Young Women Advisory Group (YWAG).
This initiative is a direct response to the gender gaps often found in the creative sector. YWAG aims to support young women within the TAFTA network by providing them with structured mentorship, leadership development, and specific guidance to navigate the industry. Alumni present at the event welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, viewing it as a necessary step toward building a more inclusive creative economy in Nigeria.
Building a Future-Ready Creative Community
The success of the event underscored TAFTA’s massive impact on the Nigerian youth. With over 57,000 young creatives trained across its hubs and more than 32,000 already gainfully employed, TAFTA is a titan in skills development.
Mr JO Umoibom, the Academy Lead at TAFTA, highlighted this during his address. “ÀRÌRÀ has become a reminder of why TAFTA exists,” he stated. “We are not only training young creatives; we are building a community that supports one another long after the classroom experience.”
This sentiment was echoed by Chinedu Isagbah, Programmes Manager for Lagos State, who noted that the creative economy relies on these kinds of connections. “The creative economy grows stronger when communities stay connected. ÀRÌRÀ reinforces the value of continuous learning, mentorship, and collaboration,” Isagbah remarked.
What this means for TAFTA moving forward
As the curtains closed on the TAFTA Arira 2025 Alumni Homecoming, the message was clear: the future of Nigerian entertainment is bright, and it belongs to those who collaborate. By blending celebration with strategic initiatives like YWAG, TAFTA has proven once again that it is not just an academy, but a movement.
We look forward to seeing how the connections made at Arira 2025 will blossom into the next wave of blockbusters, stage plays, and creative masterpieces.
