By Mufutau Ojo
The General Manager of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, Prof. Sunday Ododo, shed more light on the ongoing restoration project at the theatre, describing the master plan of the edifice as ” massive and futuristic.”
Ododo spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, when he paid a courtesy visit on the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Buki Ponle.
The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee have launched a N21.3 billion initiative to renovate the National Theatre and make it a world-class entertainment centre.
Ododo said that a new National Theatre would be showcased at the end of the restoration initiative.
“The National Theatre is going through very radical restoration, revamping and renovation.
“In the next 15 to 20 months or so, the nation is going to have a new National Theatre that can compete with any of its type in the world.
“The masterplan is massive and futuristic. What I thought I was bringing were already there in the masterplan.
“All we had to do was to give it a modern touch.
“By the time it is fixed, we will be able to host world-class events like those of the UN, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States),” Ododo said.
In his remarks, Ponle commended the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture for spear-heading the linkage between the National Theatre and the private sector that resulted in the restoration effort.
Ponle expressed his optimism that the current renovation would restore the glory of the National Theatre and change the face of the Nigerian entertainment industry for good.
He also gave an assurance on the determination of NAN management to partner with the National Theatre management.
The managing director, who recalled the age-long relationship between NAN and the National Theatre, pledged that NAN would continue to give media support to the activities of the management of the National Theatre.
“We will ensure that all aspects of your programme are covered by NAN.
” We will also go the extra-mile to ensure that you are given special publicity in the execution of your programmes.
“We hope you would also reciprocate by buying into our bouquet of services,” Ponle said. (NAN)
•PHOTO: National Theatre, Lagos
