The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has said that the renovation of the National Theatre, Lagos, now renamed the Prof. Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, would boost the Nigerian economy.
The Minister noted that the Bankers’ Committee’s donation in the ongoing renovation and revitalization of the National Theatre, which is a public private partnership (PPP) exhibited between the Ministry and the Bankers’ Committee, reflects shared commitment towards preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while fostering economic growth through the creative sector.
According to Musawa, the renovation is a gift to the nation and a source of national pride.
“The successful renovation of the National Theatre marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to preserve essential cultural assets and create new opportunities within the creative industry.
The renovation, she said, not only breathes new life into a historic venue but also generates jobs, supports local artists, and enriches the community at large.
“The collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy and the Bankers’ Committee serves as a solid example of the private-public partnerships championed by the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
She stressed the importance of such partnerships in government’s business, adding that collaboration underscores the potential of driving national progress, particularly in the cultural sector.
“The Ministry looks forward to deepening this partnership and replicating it with other private institutions to further advance Nigeria’s creative economy.
“As we look towards the future, the National Theatre is poised to deliver even greater contributions to Nigeria’s cultural landscape. Our next steps include: Delivering a State-of-the-Art Multi-Use Venue, Implementing new and dynamic programming, and launching training and community programmes,” she said.
The Minister further explained that the National Theatre will offer a versatile space designed to accommodate a wide range of cultural and artistic events, providing a platform for both established and emerging talents.
According to the Minister, the Ministry is committed to introducing innovative programs that will reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of Nigeria’s creative sector.
These programmes, she said, will be tailored towards engaging audiences of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a deeper connection to the arts.
“To further our mission of supporting the creative industry, we have already begun to and will continue to, launch new training initiatives and community programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural leaders.
The newly renamed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts is in tribute to one of Nigeria’s literary giants, and it is not only to honour the legacy of Wole Soyinka but also signifies our commitment to promoting cultural excellence.
She applauded the partners, stakeholders, and the broader community for their invaluable ssupport, dding that “the future of Nigeria’s creative sector is bright, and we are proud to stand together as we move forward.”
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