Lagos State Government on Wednesday took possession of the four theatres built in different locations across the State, saying that the completion of the projects would provide a befitting place for young, upcoming artistes and performers to nurture their talents and compete favourably with their contemporaries globally.
The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist LinbiIe-Yusuf made this disclosure during the handing-over ceremony of the four Lagos Theatres by the project contractor, Terra Kulture Studio Limited at Alausa, Ikeja.
In her words, “These theatres now provide a place for grooming our young talents and upcoming artistes. By giving the younger ones a place to display and showcase their talents, we are indirectly contributing to the growth of their careers and areas of interest”.
She explained that the choice of Terra Kulture Studio Limited for the construction works was a result of the impeccable track records of the company among other household names in the Arts and Culture industry.
Speaking on the importance of the Theatres, the Commissioner said that “It is our belief that the huge investments in the tourism sector by the present administration, including these new theatres, would further reinvigorate the good old days of theatre performances and rendition of indigenous music that would increase the interest of the international communities in Lagos State”.
She promised that the State Government will stop at nothing to continually explore the tourism potentials of the State and also enhance its economic gains for the benefit of its entire residents.
“Entertainment and Tourism is receiving due attention by the State government considering its exponential tendencies of producing a spiral effect on all other sectors of the economy”, she added.
The Commissioner stated that the event further reaffirmed the resolve of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that no ongoing projects in every nook and cranny of the State is left unattended, including those initiated by his predecessors in office.
AkinbiIe-Yusuf, however, solicited for the cooperation of members of the public who are the end-users of these facilities to put them into good use and ensure that they serve the purpose which they have been built, stressing that the theatres have been built to suit the needs of residents of the State and also meet international Standards.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Rabiu Olowo stated that the new theatres would contribute significantly to the revenue of the State.
He explained that the project was executed to meet specifications of the State Government, observing that the four theatres had been inspected and certified fit for public use.
The Managing Director of the Terra Kulture Studio Limited, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters thanked the State government for its commitment towards making the project realisable and delivered on time.
She expressed the hope that the construction of the four theatres in different locations across the State would help decentralise the concentration of tourism landmarks on Lagos Island and divert attention to other parts of the State.
While thanking the State Government for engaging the company to handle the construction of the theatres and for the confidence reposed in the organisation, Austen-Peters used the handing over occasion to restate the readiness of Terra Kulture Studio Limited to continue offering creative and professional assistance to the State Government in any capacity as may be required.