IPACR Leadership
Meet the leaders providing governance, strategic direction, professional guidance and institutional support to the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research.
Dr Solomon A. Edwin
Dr Solomon A. Edwin serves as the Director General of the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR), providing strategic leadership for the Institute’s programmes, partnerships and long-term development. In this role, he helps guide IPACR’s commitment to performing arts, cultural preservation, research, education and professional advancement. His office provides direction for institutional planning and supports the coordination of initiatives that bring together artists, researchers, cultural practitioners, educators, students and partner organisations. As Director General, Dr Edwin’s responsibilities include promoting a clear institutional vision, encouraging professional standards, supporting research and creative development, and strengthening collaboration across the arts and cultural sector. He also plays an important role in ensuring that IPACR’s activities remain aligned with its mission to preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for innovation, learning and public engagement. His leadership position places him at the centre of the Institute’s efforts to build credible programmes, develop meaningful partnerships and expand the visibility of African cultural expression. Through the Director General’s office, IPACR aims to maintain a professional, inclusive and forward-looking approach to artistic development, cultural research, training and institutional growth.
Dr Muntari Yaro
Dr Muntari Yaro serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR). In this leadership capacity, he provides governance oversight, institutional guidance and strategic support to help the Institute pursue its objectives responsibly and sustainably. The Governing Council plays an important role in strengthening accountability, long-term planning and the overall direction of IPACR, and the Chairman helps coordinate that responsibility at council level. Dr Yaro’s role includes supporting sound governance practices, encouraging effective leadership, and helping ensure that major institutional decisions reflect IPACR’s mission in performing arts, cultural preservation, research, education and professional development. He also contributes to creating an environment in which the Institute can build credible relationships with public institutions, cultural organisations, educational bodies, professional communities and development partners. As Chairman, he represents an important point of continuity between governance and management, helping the Institute maintain focus while responding to new opportunities in culture, research and creative development. His office supports IPACR’s efforts to grow with clear structures, responsible decision-making and a strong commitment to the advancement of arts and cultural heritage.
Dr Lois Otse Adams
Dr Lois Otse Adams serves as Director of Women and Youth Affairs at the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR). Her role focuses on encouraging meaningful participation, development and empowerment opportunities for women and young people within the Institute’s cultural, educational and creative programmes. This responsibility reflects IPACR’s broader commitment to inclusion, skills development and the creation of accessible pathways into the performing arts and cultural sector. Within her portfolio, Dr Adams helps support initiatives such as workshops, mentorship, seminars, capacity-building programmes and community engagement activities designed to strengthen confidence, creativity and professional growth. Her office also contributes to identifying areas where women and young people can participate more actively in cultural preservation, artistic practice, research and innovation. As Director of Women and Youth Affairs, she supports collaboration with relevant institutions, community groups, educators and creative professionals where such partnerships can expand opportunities for participants. The position also helps ensure that youth development and women’s participation remain visible within IPACR’s planning and programme delivery. Through this role, IPACR seeks to encourage a new generation of culturally aware, skilled and confident participants who can contribute meaningfully to the future of arts, heritage and creative development.
International Youth Day Message
Today, as we mark International Youth Day, I celebrate our young adults, the heartbeat of our culture and the architects of our future.
At the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research, we believe that every young person carries two powerful gifts: God-given talent and developed skill. When both are explored through creativity, they become tools for social change.
Creativity in dance, music, drama, film, fashion, and storytelling is not just entertainment. It is advocacy. It is education. It is how we address the issues that matter – identity, peace, gender equity, mental health, and nation building.
To our youth, do not dim your light. Use your voice, your craft, and your platforms to challenge, to heal, and to inspire. Preserve what is positive in our culture, reimagine what needs to change, and showcase the real talents that make Nigeria proud.
As Director of Women and Youth Affairs, I reaffirm our commitment to creating cultural channels where your talents are seen, your creativity is nurtured, and your leadership is valued.
When young people lead with creativity and culture, communities are transformed. Today, I urge you to explore creativity for Social Change.
Once again, Happy International Youth Day.
Lois Otse Adams, Ph.D, anipr, D(Hons)
Director, Women and Youth Affairs
Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research
Dim Nnamdi Ezeji-Emejuru
Dim Nnamdi Ezeji-Emejuru serves as Director of Humanitarian Affairs at the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR). In this role, he supports the Institute’s community-focused and humanitarian engagement, helping connect cultural development with service, social responsibility and public impact. His portfolio reflects the belief that arts and culture can contribute not only to creative expression, but also to social inclusion, community resilience and human development. The Directorate of Humanitarian Affairs can support initiatives that respond to community needs through outreach, awareness, cultural engagement and partnership. Dim Ezeji-Emejuru’s responsibilities include helping coordinate humanitarian-oriented programmes, strengthening relationships with relevant organisations and supporting activities that place people and communities at the centre of IPACR’s work. His role also encourages the use of culture, storytelling, performance and community participation as tools for connection and constructive engagement. Where appropriate, the Directorate may work alongside artists, volunteers, civil-society groups, institutions and other partners to support initiatives that align with IPACR’s objectives. Through this office, IPACR aims to maintain a compassionate and socially responsible dimension to its activities, ensuring that cultural advancement remains connected to the wellbeing, dignity and development of the communities it serves.
Engr. Samuel Chibuike Okonkwo
Engr. Samuel Chibuike Okonkwo serves as Director of ICT and IPACR Representative in The Gambia. His combined role supports both the Institute’s digital development and its institutional representation in The Gambia. As Director of ICT, he helps guide the use of technology in communication, online visibility, information management and the digital presentation of IPACR’s programmes, leadership and activities. The ICT portfolio is important to the Institute’s ability to communicate professionally, maintain an effective online presence and support modern approaches to research, documentation, learning and institutional engagement. Engr. Okonkwo’s role therefore contributes to the development and coordination of digital platforms and technology-related initiatives that can strengthen IPACR’s operations and public reach. As IPACR Representative in The Gambia, he also supports the Institute’s presence, communication and relationship-building within the country. This includes helping connect IPACR with relevant cultural, educational, professional and institutional stakeholders where appropriate. Through both responsibilities, his office supports the Institute’s objective of combining cultural development with modern communication, regional engagement and responsible digital growth, while helping extend IPACR’s visibility and opportunities for collaboration beyond Nigeria.
Dr. Onuja Lyman Ozovehe FBEA
Dr. Onuja Lyman Ozovehe FBEA serves as Director of Cultural Innovation at the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR). His role focuses on encouraging fresh, responsible and forward-looking approaches to cultural development while respecting the value of heritage, identity and established artistic traditions. The Directorate of Cultural Innovation helps create a bridge between preservation and contemporary creativity. In this capacity, Dr. Ozovehe supports ideas and programmes that can strengthen artistic expression, cultural research, creative enterprise and the presentation of heritage in ways that remain relevant to changing audiences. His office may contribute to the development of projects, exhibitions, performances, research initiatives, educational programmes and collaborations that explore how culture can respond to modern social and creative realities. The role also encourages dialogue between traditional knowledge and new forms of artistic practice, technology, media and cultural participation. By supporting experimentation within a responsible institutional framework, the Directorate can help IPACR identify new opportunities for learning, public engagement and cultural visibility. Through this position, IPACR aims to promote innovation that does not disconnect culture from its roots, but instead helps heritage remain active, meaningful and accessible to present and future generations.
Dr. Williams Victor
Dr. Williams Victor serves as Secretary to the Governing Council of the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR). His role supports the effective administration, coordination and documentation of the Council’s work, helping to ensure that governance processes remain organised, clear and properly communicated. As Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr. Victor assists with the preparation and coordination of council-related activities, records and official communication. The position provides an important administrative link between the Council and the wider Institute, helping approved decisions, discussions and governance matters to be documented and followed through in an orderly manner. His responsibilities also support continuity within IPACR’s governance structure. By helping maintain accurate records and structured communication, the office of the Secretary contributes to institutional accountability and the smooth functioning of the Governing Council. This is particularly important as the Institute develops programmes, partnerships and initiatives across performing arts, cultural preservation, research, education and professional development. Through this role, Dr. Victor supports a governance environment built on organisation, professionalism and clarity. His office helps ensure that the Council is able to carry out its responsibilities effectively while providing dependable administrative support for IPACR’s long-term institutional development.
Mr. Aliyu Ibrahim Bello
Mr. Aliyu Ibrahim Bello serves as Government Liaison Personnel for the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR). His role supports communication, coordination and constructive engagement between the Institute and relevant public institutions. This function is important to IPACR’s ability to maintain professional relationships and understand the appropriate channels for institutional interaction. In this capacity, Mr. Bello helps facilitate communication where IPACR’s programmes, cultural initiatives, research activities or institutional objectives require engagement with government bodies or public-sector stakeholders. His work supports orderly correspondence, relationship-building and the exchange of relevant information between the Institute and appropriate authorities. The Government Liaison role also contributes to the Institute’s wider objective of building partnerships that can strengthen cultural development, education, research and public engagement. By helping maintain clear communication with government institutions, the office can support opportunities for collaboration while ensuring that interactions are conducted in a professional and responsible manner. Through this position, IPACR seeks to strengthen its institutional connections and improve coordination with relevant public bodies. Mr. Bello’s role therefore contributes to the Institute’s efforts to build trust, support cooperation and create a stronger foundation for programmes that serve artists, researchers, cultural practitioners and communities.
C. S. Emeka Esq
C. S. Emeka Esq serves as Legal Advisor to the Institute of Performing Arts and Cultural Research (IPACR). In this role, she provides legal guidance and advisory support intended to help the Institute operate with appropriate attention to governance, compliance, agreements and responsible institutional decision-making. The Legal Advisor’s function is important to the development of a professional organisation. It supports the review of legal and administrative matters that may arise in relation to institutional activities, partnerships, policies, programmes and formal engagements. C. S. Emeka Esq also helps the Institute identify where legal considerations should be addressed before commitments are made or documents are adopted. Her advisory role contributes to IPACR’s efforts to maintain clear internal processes and to engage responsibly with members, partners, institutions and other stakeholders. Where appropriate, the Legal Advisor may support the review of agreements, institutional policies, terms, notices and other documents requiring legal attention. Through this office, IPACR aims to strengthen its governance culture and reduce avoidable legal or procedural risks. The role supports the Institute’s broader objective of developing credible structures that allow its work in performing arts, culture, research, education and professional development to grow on a responsible and well-organised foundation.