- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the effort put in place by the state government and Bankers Committee in renovating the old National Theatre.
Commenting on renovation of the National monument now known as Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts during an inspection exercise yesterday, Sanwo-Olu lauded the effort of the Bankers Committee over the work done so far.
He, however, disclosed that the newly transformed national treasure, which can be compared to the World International Centre, would be completed in about four months.
“I am truly excited at the work the Bankers Committee has been able to do. They have truly shown us that when we put our minds to things as a country and as a people, we can get the best out of ourselves.
“When we all came here four or five years ago, we were discouraged and saddened by what we saw at one of our national treasures.
“But what has happened in the last four to five years, and with what we see today during our tour, we have brought back the old glory even in a bigger, better, and more transformative way. I commend all the professionals and companies that have put this together.
“I think it is going to be a place where international audiences will see that we are ready to take the world by storm in entertainment, tourism, creativity and, more importantly, business conferences and seminars that we all go to attend in other parts of the world.” Sanwo-Olu said.
He stressed further that the Iganmu Blue Rail which overlooked the Centre also added more value and credence to it.
“It is a one-stop shop that has everything you can imagine, comparable to any other world conference centre. It also has an additional flavour of arts and culture. By the way, the Blue Line train that we built all around here speaks to the entire infrastructure that has made this place a complete stop for Nigerians.
“The newly rebirth Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts is on the way to open its door to the public, courtesy of the Lagos State Government and the Bankers Committee that have done the work.” Sanwo-Olu added.
Meanwhile, also speaking at the inspection exercise is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, who reinstated Sanwo-Olu’s plan of promoting arts and culture in the state.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that the tourism, entertainment, and creative industries in Lagos are truly rising. Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing a lot for the people. The Centre is a huge one for citizens of Lagos.” He said.