The Federal Government has officially handed over the rehabilitation of the National Arts Theatre Iganmu,Lagos to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Bankers’ Committee, with a robust plan to transform the national asset into a facility that will help in unleashing the creative talents of Nigeria’s youths across multiple sectors.
In his remarks at the handing over ceremony held on Sunday in Iganmu, Lagos, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, is hopeful that the restoration of the edifice and the adjoining land will create more jobs as against speculations that it will lead to job loss.
The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on his part, gave an assurance that the National Arts Theatre would go through a transformation into a world-class facility.
Emefiele noted that the renovation of the National Theatre is expected to serve as the initial pilot for the Nigeria Creative Industries Centre adding that centers in Kano, Port Harcourt or Enugu will follow.
“The National Theatre when fully renovated will be able to support skills acquisition and job creation for over 1 million Nigerians over the next five years.”
In his address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s support in regenerating the monument.
“Maximum of 22 months, we will bring Mr President here for a tour of the facility,” said Governor Sanwo-Olu who stressed the need for the project to be delivered at a set date.
The Bankers’ Committee is planning to use the Creative Industry Financing Initiative, with over N20 billion already earmarked as take-off capital, for the redevelopment of the 40-acre national asset.
