National Theatre: Lagos Seeks Monarch’s Collaboration on Regeneration
The Lagos State Government has announced that it has sought the cooperation of the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, as well as the surrounding communities on the regeneration of the National Theatre, Iganmu.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Idris Salako, said the regeneration of the edifice, which was at the instance of the Federal Government, also provided the opportunity for the Lagos State Government to consider the upgrading of adjoining communities.
Salako, who spoke while leading a team of Federal Government consultants and LASURA to the royal father on Friday, mentioned some of the communities as Otto and Otumara, adding that the regeneration would bring them to a complementary level.
The Commissioner hinted that the regeneration project, involving some facilities that support the entertainment industry, would boost the environment and provide jobs to the locals.
Salako revealed that there was a plan to convene a stakeholders’ meeting and charged the traditional ruler to support the project and advocate its success among his subjects.
The General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Ajibike Shomade, posited that it was important for the state government and its people to take advantage of the project to effect the regeneration of the two distressed communities and bring them to the standards of a 21st-century smart city.
The Programme Manager, SANEF Creative, Titilola Park, speaking for the Federal Government, described the National Theatre as an important national monument whose regeneration would go a long way in restoring a forgotten landmark to its former glory.
Responding, the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, welcomed the project adding that the community would be looking forward to the proposed stakeholders meeting in order to elaborate further on the importance of the project.
Aromire appealed to the government to always consider the key roles of traditional land owners in development projects such as the one at hand.
