The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has promised continued support for and cooperation with the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, for mutual success.
The Acting Head of Lagos Office (HLO) of NAN, Mr Silas Nwoha, made the promise during a courtesy visit to the Acting General Manager (GM) of the theatre, Mr Sunday Baba.
Nwoha, who led a four-man NAN team for the visit, said that the theatre and NAN would need to work more closely to boost operations of both government establishments.
“We are government agencies under one ministry, and neighbours using same environment to discharge our duties over the years; so we will strengthen relationship for mutual success.
“I am giving you the assurance that we are together, NAN is as old as National Theatre; so, it is a long time relationship,” he said.
He praised the acting GM for efforts in taking the national monument to the next level.
Nwoha also hailed Baba for peaceful coexistence in the National Theatre Complex which harbours a number of government agencies.
He commiserated with the National Theatre management on the death of the theatre’s former General Manager, Mrs Stella Oyedepo, in 2019.
The acting HLO said that Oyedepo had clear vision for the theatre and was working to actualise it before death struck.
“She did visit us, share her vision and carry us along,” he said.
Responding, Baba thanked NAN for the visit, saying that it had provided a platform for a fruitful dialogue.
On the toll recently introduced by the theatre, Baba said it was aimed at public safety.
He said that the development had stopped dumping of dead bodies in the complex and had safeguarded lives and property.
“Before, there used to be dead bodies around this complex just because there was free movement; so, we resorted to tolling.
“The step has really stopped those evil acts because of the presence of armed men at Gates A, B and C,” he said.
According to him, the complex recorded much activities in December due to improved security.