FG Assures National Theatre Will Not Be Sold

Posted by Wole Oduwole Latest Headlines, News Monday, December 28th, 2015

The Federal Government (FG) Monday assured Nigerians that it will not sell the National Theatre for whatever reason, instead, will make it to remain as a national monument.

However, the Government FG affirmed it is “not averse to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement that will add value to the iconic (National Theatre) complex”.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the assurance during his visit to the complex as part of the tour of the parastatals under his Ministry.

Alhaji Mohammed said the process of selecting a preferred bidder under the PPP arrangement was currently underway.

”The National Theatre is a national monument and a tourist attraction. We will not allow it to go derelict or become a magnet for hoodlums. This monument is the pride of the nation, and it has always served as the point of convergence for Nigerians seeking fun and relaxation, especially during festive periods, and a centre for the promotion of arts and culture,” the Minister said.

He indicated that the security around the complex would be beefed up to prevent a recurrence of the molestation by hoodlums, of fun seekers at the complex, on Christmas Day, and also ensure the safety of the priceless artifacts within the complex.

”It is totally unacceptable that fun-seeking individuals who throng the National Theatre for relaxation during festive periods or at any time will become the victims of attacks by hoodlums.

”We will work with the security agencies, especially the Police and the State Security Service, to upgrade security at the National Theatre. It is also important for the management of the complex to ensure that its perimeter is better secured to ward off hoodlums,” the Minister said, adding that a high-tech security surveillance system may even be introduced to better secure the complex

Alhaji Mohammed said the on-the-spot assessment of the security and other situation at the National Theatre has revealed the challenges being faced by the management, and assured that there would be noticeable changes at the complex within the next few months.

”We will restore the National Theatre to its pride of place and make it more user-friendly. We will also ensure that the management engages with stakeholders in order to increase the patronage of the various facilities at the complex,” the FG Spokesman promised.

The General Manager of the National Theatre, Mallam Kabir Yusuf Yar’Adua, during the visit, conducted the Minister around the facilities at the complex, including the banquet, cinema and exhibition halls, the sub-power station, the water works, the police post and the artiste village, among others.