The National Theatre is planning to host World class events and connect Nigeria to the World after renovation is completed.
This was made known by the General Manager, National Theatre, Professor Sunday Ododo while reacting to speculation that the Nigerian government would rename the national edifice after renovation.
He said the name National Arts Theatre is a product of law and that law has not been repealed.
“There is no where the Nigerian Information, Tourism and Culture Minister, Lai Muhammad said the name of the National Theatre would be changed.
“What the Minister meant to say was very simple. Within the premises of the National Theatre, four hubs would be four be created. These are music, IT, fashion and movies. These four hubs are what would be named LAGOS CREATIVE AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE.
“What that means is that it is still a center within the National Theatre. National Theatre remains National Theatre of Nigeria.”
Professor Ododo said; “If it is completed hopefully by November, it is going to host world class events that will connect Nigeria to the World.”
The General Manager also said that there would be other side attractions to lure investors and foreigners to Nigeria from hosting such events at the Theatre and that would also boost Nigeria’s economy.
Professor Ododo said that the Theatre would expose local artistes and encourage them to work harder in their various engagements.
Job Creation
He said that the Cultural and Tourism sector would also benefit a lot from the new National Theatre and create jobs for the youths.
Professor Ododo said; “Let me tell you now that not less than 16,000 Jobs would be created. These jobs have already started, during the reconstruction. Many businesses would spring up when the theatre is ready and traffic would come back to the theatre.”
He said; “The plans to manage the Theatre well is already in place. It is going to be a full-scale private management principle. A new board to run the facility is being constituted. New hands will be engaged to run the facility.”
Professor Ododo stated that the National Theatre would also be working on programmes to promote, preserve and project Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“There are two power responsibility on the Theatre to manage the edifice so as to connect with Nigerians on their cultural heritage,” he added.
Confidence Okwuchi
