The Lagos State Government says it has sought the understanding of the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, on the regeneration of the National Theatre, Iganmu, as well as the surrounding communities.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Idris Salako, said the regeneration of the edifice, which was at the instance of the Federal Government, also provided the opportunity for the Lagos State Government to consider the upgrading of adjoining communities.
He named some of the communities as Otto and Otumara, adding that the regeneration would bring them to a complementary level.
Salako spoke while leading a team of Federal Government consultants and LASURA to the royal father on Friday.
He noted that the regeneration project, involving some facilities that support the entertainment industry, would boost the environment and provide jobs to the locals.
Salako said there was a plan to convene a stakeholders’ meeting and enjoined the traditional ruler to support the project and advocate its success among his subjects.
The General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Ajibike Shomade, explained that it was important for the state government and its people to take advantage of the project to effect the regeneration of the two distressed communities and bring them to the standards of a 21st-century smart city.
Speaking for the Federal Government, the Programme Manager, SANEF Creative, Titilola Park, said that the National Theatre was an important national monument whose regeneration would go a long way in restoring a forgotten landmark to its former glory.
Responding, Aromire gave his nod to the project and stated that the community would be looking forward to the proposed stakeholders meeting to elaborate on the importance of the project further.
He urged the government to always consider the key roles of traditional land owners in development projects such as the one at hand.
