In what could be best described as the restoration of national pride, the Bankers’ Committee is on the verge of completing the renovation and upgrading of facilities at the National Theatre in the Iganmu area of Lagos State.

The Bankers’ Committee disclosed this to journalists during a media parley and tour of the new-look National Theatre complex in Lagos on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

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

Speaking on the committee’s restoration of the National Theatre, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), Segun Agbaje, said: “I don’t think there are many countries in Africa that have the talent that we have in entertainment and the arts.

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“All you can do when you have talented people is to give them a platform to showcase their best. We will try to give a platform, where Nigerians who are in my opinion the best, have a chance to show the world that they are the best.”

The Bankers’ Committee, by the renovation, said it aims to unlock opportunities for the youth in the creative sector, leading to job creation, income generation, foreign exchange generation, thereby developing a creative, and entertainment centre with much-needed community spaces for Nigerians.

The facilities were upgraded to match the best standards of theatre and performance in the world. The entire Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system was replaced, fire safety standards upgraded, power, water supply and sewage systems were all replaced.

Upgrade of interior design with the installations of Audio Video Lighting (AVL), world stage engineering system, 11 lifts, solar power, new furniture for spaces and restoration of Artworks, including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade.

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.

The Star