Stakeholders support LASG, FG collaboration to upgrade National Theatre

A cross section of Arts, Entertainment and Culture stakeholders declared support for the collaboration between the Lagos State and Federal Governments to upgrade the National Theatre to international standard.

Some of them expressed the delight while speaking with Newsverge on Sunday in Lagos.

Newsverge reports that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state and the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, on Sunday embarked on an inspection tour of the theatre.

On the tour, Ambode and Mohammed expressed their commitment and readiness to upgrade the main bowl, two cinema halls, exhibition lobby and the banquet hall to meet international standards.

The governor said that the upgrading of the halls would be done before the commencement of Lagos at 50 celebrations.

On his part, Jide Kosoko applauded such development adding that the theater remained a national asset that should promote arts and culture.

He said such collaboration would give the necessary impetus to the entertainment and creative industry, adding that it would be used to train more entertainers.

Mr George Ufot, the Acting General-Manager of National Theatre said the move was the right step in the right direction, adding that it would increase patronage.

He said the theatre was the only asset and cultural heritage that the creative industry could boast of now, adding that it would value to the country’s effort at diversifying the economy.

“Bringing it back to a working condition is the management’s joy and Nigerians pride.

“The theatre is a valuable national asset that can compete favourably with international theatres when properly revamped,’’ he said.

Mr Biodun Abe, an Artistic Director and Producer said the present effort of the two governments would make the theatre to regain its lost glory.

“Upgrading the national theatre, no doubt, would help to bring back its lost glory.

“This is what we are talking about. A revamped, upgrade national theatre will boost influx of tourist and enhance arts and culture for the benefit of Lagos and the country as a whole,’’ he said.