Why We Are Building Five New Arts Theatre -Ambode

Posted on December 12, 2016

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Gov. Ambode flanked by the movie titans and other guests

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has revealed that as part of his administration’s efforts in engaging the youths and promote tourism through arts and entertainment, the state government would build five new arts theatres across the state.

The Governor announced this on Sunday after watching a stage play ‘Heartbeat The Musical…A New Beginning’ directed by Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, and held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

He said the theatres would be up and running before the end of 2017.

“I never believed I could sit down for two hours. I thought I would just pop in briefly and then leave, but this is awesome and fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mere fact that I believe strongly in arts, entertainment and sports, everything that is arts, like I said, before the end of next year, we are going to have five new theatres in Lagos,” he said.

On 29 November while presenting the state budget estimate to the state house of assembly, the governor had

hinted of the plans to build the five arts theatres across the state.

Gov Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left), with foremost Movie Producer/Director, Tunde Kelani (left); and Olu Jacobs & Joke Silva (right) during the LUFODO Productions’ musical at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos

Governor Ambode said already the state has engaged the service of the owner of the foremost culture venue, Terra Kulture and also speaking to another consultant on the project.

“We want to have the theatres in Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Alimosho and on the Mainland. We already have one in Victoria Island. But the truth is that this is where the energy of Lagos is and that is where we should go.

“It’s not so much about physical infrastructure, but 67 per cent of the Lagos population is below the age of 35, so we need to start finding things to keep the younger ones more creative and then open the space for them to be able to just show their talents.”

Governor Ambode also said that the State Government was fine-tuning plans ahead of the climax of its Lagos @ 50 celebrations coming up on 27 May, 2017.

He added that several events that would promote the arts and entertainment sector would be incorporated in the celebration.

Categorised as : Entertainment, Movie
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