Lebara Nigeria and the Duke of Shomolu Foundation (DoSF) have announced a partnership to promote Nigerian culture, preserve African history, and expand the global reach of Nigerian storytelling through world-class theatrical productions. The collaboration involves the London staging of ZIK and OBEY, two productions celebrating the lives, legacies, and enduring impact of some of Nigeria's most influential historical and cultural icons.
This partnership underscores the increasing role of private-sector investment in Nigeria's creative economy and the growing importance of cultural diplomacy as a tool for international engagement. It aligns with the broader mission of fostering meaningful connections through communication, shared identity, and cultural engagement.
The productions will be staged on August 15 and 16, 2026, at the Shaw Theatre in London, marking a significant milestone in the internationalisation of Nigerian theatre and storytelling. Under the partnership, Lebara Nigeria will support the international presentation and promotion of ZIK and OBEY, helping to deepen audience engagement and strengthen the productions' visibility among Nigerian, African, and international audiences.
Lebara Nigeria CEO Speaks on Partnership
Teniola Stuffman, Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, said: "We believe that meaningful connections extend beyond telecommunications. They include the stories we tell, the cultures we celebrate, and the communities we bring together. We are proud to partner with the Duke of Shomolu Foundation in supporting productions that honour the lives and achievements of two remarkable Nigerians while showcasing the richness of our cultural heritage to international audiences."
Stuffman added: "As Lebara Nigeria expands its footprint across the country and strengthens connections between Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, we see cultural platforms such as ZIK and OBEY as powerful vehicles for national storytelling, diaspora engagement, and the promotion of Nigerian excellence on the world stage. We are proud to support initiatives that remind the world of the depth of Nigeria's history, talent, resilience, and enduring influence."
Founder of Duke of Shomolu Foundation Comments
Joseph Edgar, founder of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, popularly known as the Duke of Shomolu, described the collaboration as an important milestone in the continued internationalisation of Nigerian theatre. He stated: "For years, we have been committed to taking authentic Nigerian stories to audiences around the world. This partnership represents a significant step forward in that journey. Together, we are creating a platform that celebrates our history, honours our icons, and showcases the immense creative talent that exists within Nigeria."
Edgar noted that as a company committed to connecting people across borders and communities, "we recognise the power of the creative arts to inspire dialogue, preserve history, and strengthen cultural identity. This partnership reflects our belief in the transformative impact of storytelling and our commitment to supporting initiatives that celebrate Nigerian excellence on the global stage."
Global Reach and Impact
The productions are expected to attract audiences from across the United Kingdom, Europe, and the global African diaspora, including business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, cultural stakeholders, creatives, and theatre enthusiasts. With Nigerians living across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other parts of the world, the productions provide a unique opportunity to deepen cultural ties, celebrate national heritage, and showcase the richness of Nigerian history and creativity to global audiences.
The stories of ZIK and OBEY are stories of leadership, resilience, innovation, faith, and national pride. ZIK chronicles the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, one of Africa's foremost nationalist leaders, a leading architect of Nigerian independence, and Nigeria's first President. OBEY celebrates the remarkable journey of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, the legendary musician, composer, and cultural icon whose contributions have profoundly shaped Nigerian and African music while inspiring generations through faith, creativity, and social impact.
The announcement builds on the success of the Foundation's previous international production, Kashimawo, a theatrical portrayal of the life of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, which generated significant engagement among audiences in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and across the global African diaspora.
Supported by an ambitious international communications programme, strategic media partnerships, live stage performances, and global livestream distribution, ZIK and OBEY are expected to reach audiences across multiple continents. Both productions will be livestreamed globally through Covento, enabling viewers around the world to participate in this celebration of Nigerian history, culture, and achievement.
Beyond entertainment, the productions seek to foster cultural exchange, strengthen connections with diaspora communities, promote Nigerian creative exports, and contribute to the growing recognition of theatre as a vehicle for education, tourism, and international cultural engagement.
