Photo caption: Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank Group, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman
The Bankers’ Committee has announced the completion of the renovation and upgrading of facilities at the National Theatre in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, it was revealed that the renovation covered different spaces, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000-seater banquet hall, exhibition halls, cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, clinic, fire station, lobbies within the four National Theatre entrances and extensive roof repairs.
The renovation of the national landmark commenced in July 2021, following approval by the Federal Government and the subsequent handover of the national edifice to the Bankers’ Committee.
The committee embarked on the renovation to unlock the potential in the creative sector for the teeming population of Nigerian youth.
Speaking during a tour of the monument in Lagos on Wednesday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Group, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, who represented the Bankers’ Committee, disclosed that at the commencement of the project, “We were shocked at the scale of the work that needed to be done, but we were also impressed by the possibilities that it represented. This is one of the largest scaled projects of its kind anywhere on the continent”.
“The renovation of the National Theatre by the Bankers Committee showcases what is possible with the power of patriotism and collective responsibility on the part of the private sector in partnering with the Federal and Lagos state governments, to reignite hope and revive some of our national monuments and assets,” Suleiman affirmed.
The facilities were upgraded to match the best standards of theatre and performance in the world.
The upgrading includes the replacement of the entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; the upgrade of the fire safety standards, and power, replacement of the water supply and sewage systems, and the upgrading of interior design with the installations of the audio-video lighting world stage engineering system, 17 passenger lifts.
The committee also installed solar power, new furniture for spaces and restoration of artworks, including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade.
According to the committee, external works supported by the National Theatre were also carried out in the refurbishment of the three entrance gatehouses, construction of four themed landscapes, car park block (250 cars), the ring road, and installation of external street lighting and CCTV cameras.
Also, speaking during the tour, the Managing Director of Lotus Bank Ltd, Mrs Kafilat Araoye, described the renovation of the National Theatre as a rebirth of a national treasure and a restoration of the nation’s culture and heritage.
“We are very excited about the completion of the renovation and upgrade of facilities at the National Theatre, we are indeed very proud of the work we have done here,” he said.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said in his statement, “Upon completion, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only be for arts, tourism and culture but will also provide a venue for the international community to convene for conferences and enjoy world-class performances.”
The National Arts Theatre was constructed by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon and completed in 1976 by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
The completion coincided with the hosting of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77) in January 1977.
