Bankers’ Committee Nears Completion of National Theatre Revamp, Aiming to Reignite Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage
The renovation and restoration of the National Theatre in Lagos is approaching its final stages, according to the Bankers’ Committee.
Once reopened, this iconic landmark, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, is expected to significantly bolster Nigeria’s arts and culture sector while creating numerous employment opportunities.
During a recent tour of the facility, Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank and a key member of the Bankers’ Committee, highlighted the project’s transformative potential. He described the restoration as a prime example of successful collaboration between the government and the private sector, with the goal of inspiring Nigerians and showcasing the country’s capabilities on a global stage.
He said,
“The National Theatre, once a symbol of our highest ambitions, had fallen into disrepair. We committed to restoring it to a world-class standard, making it one of the most complex and successful projects of its kind.”
Suleiman emphasized that the project aims to put Nigeria’s culture back in the spotlight, positioning the theatre as a premier venue for large-scale cultural events on the continent. He assured that the restoration meets global standards, inviting both Nigerians and international visitors to witness what the country can achieve.
The renovation is also set to provide a significant boost to employment, especially for artisans and workers in various sectors. “Our objective was to create jobs, particularly in the creative industry. We envisioned an ecosystem that could harness the energy of our youth and offer them a platform to excel, whether in arts, technology, or fashion”, he added.
Looking ahead, Suleiman revealed that the theatre will not be managed by the Bankers’ Committee or the government but by professional entities committed to maintaining international standards. The Bankers’ Committee remains dedicated to seeing the project through to its successful completion, with the hope that the National Theatre will once again become a beacon of Nigerian culture and creativity.
Source: The Cable
