The Bankers’ Committee has completed the renovation and upgrading of facilities at the National Theatre in the Iganmu area of Lagos State.

The Bankers’ Committee announced this via a statement made available to The Star on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

The renovation of the National Theatre commenced in July 2021 following approval by the federal government and the subsequent handover of the national edifice to the Bankers’ Committee.

The committee said it embarked on the restoration to unlock the immense potential in the creative sector for Nigerian youths.

It noted that the new-look National Theatre, when operational, will create jobs, generate income, and grow foreign exchange earnings, thereby becoming a creative and entertainment hub providing much-needed community spaces for Nigerian youths to explore and thrive.

The renovation works cover different spaces, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000-seater banquet hall, 2-nos. exhibition halls, 3-nos. cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, clinic, fire station, lobbies within the four National Theatre entrances, and extensive roof repairs.

Bankers’ Committee renovates National Theatre

Speaking during a tour of the monument in Lagos on Wednesday, August 28, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Group representing the Bankers’ Committee, Abubakar Suleiman, disclosed that at the commencement of the project, “we were shocked at the scale of the work that needed to be done, but we were also impressed by the possibilities that it represented. This is one of the largest scaled projects of its kind anywhere on the continent.”

Suleiman added that the standard to which the edifice has been restored is world-class.

“The renovation of the National Theatre by the Bankers Committee showcases what is possible with the power of patriotism and collective responsibility on the part of the private sector in partnering with the Federal and Lagos State governments, to reignite hope and revive some of our national monuments and assets,” he said.

The Managing Director of Lotus Bank Limited, Kafilat Araoye, also representing Bankers’ Committee, described the renovation of the National Theatre as a rebirth of “a national treasure and a restoration of our culture and heritage”.

On his part, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, said: “Upon completion, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only be for arts, tourism and culture but will also provide a venue for the international community to convene for conferences and enjoy world-class performances.”

The Star