The federal government of Nigeria has denied renaming the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as they clarify the statement that brought about the rumour.
On Wednesday, April 20, it was reported that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announced the renaming of the Theatre after the completion of the ongoing renovation ahead of hosting the first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism and Creative Industry.
In a new development, Lai Mohammed has clarified the statement made in Madrid, Spain, stating that they are only renaming the complex housing the edifice.
This clarification was made in Abuja on Tuesday by Lai Mohammed, on the “Good Morning Nigeria’’ programme on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
We Only Renamed Section of National Theatre – Minister
Mohammed revealed that the complex housing the National Theatre would be known as Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre, with four creative hubs and other facilities currently under construction.
The Minister said, “The controversy on the re-naming of the National Theatre is just a storm in a teacup. What we said in Spain was that there are lots of developmental projects going on within the National.
“You have the National Theatre fully refurbished and renovated, you also have four hubs each for music, fashion, IT and film. You cannot call all of them National Theatre again.
“The entire complex is what will be known as the Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre, comprising the National Theatre and the four hubs.’’
Mohammed further revealed that the hubs were being built to provide opportunities in the creative sector as the music and film hub will be equipped with the latest technology for recording and processing music and films.
The 70-year-old added that this would stop Nigerian artists and filmmakers from going outside the country to record, process and package their music or movies.
The Minister also disclosed that a modern police station, fire station and 500 capacity car park were also being constructed in the complex.
The Lagos National Theatre was built in 1976 to host the 1977 Festival of Arts, popularly known as FESTAC.
