The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has expressed delight at the ongoing revamp of the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The minister expressed the delight at the 2nd National Theatre Festival of Unity themed, `Enduring Optimism’, held at the Iganmu complex in Lagos on Friday.
Mohammed, who was represented by, Mrs Rose Kwarson, the ministry’s Head of Cultural Industries, noted that the completion of revamping and upgrading of the National Theatre was a top priority of the present administration.
“It is therefore heartwarming to see the progress of work ongoing on the site as the contractors work round the clock at meeting the deadline for the completion of revamping and upgrading of the National Theatre.
“It is worth mentioning that when the new National Theatre is completed, its world-class standard facilities would be better positioned to live up to its billing by performing optimally its statutory functions.
“It is with great delight that I grace the Iconic Culture House, National Theatre Complex in the ever bubbling city of Lagos, to declare open the 2nd edition of the National Theatre Festival of Unity, theme `Enduring Optimism’
“A festival that celebrates life, builds bridges of unity, promotes peace and harmony as well as rekindles the hope of the people is not only laudable but should be supported,” he said.
The minister expressed President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination not to leave any stone unturned in providing an enabling environment for the creative entrepreneur to thrive, blossom and attain full potentials.
“We are encouraging advancement of the performing arts throughout the country; creating opportunities for performing artistes as well as aiding the promotion of social development and improvement of life for practitioners and other stakeholders in the sector,” he said.
Mohammed stressed that one of the legacies of President Buhari was to oversee a great creative sector worthy of bequeathing to the generation beyond.
“I, therefore, urge all players in the creative
He thanked the UK Border Force for the facility and promised that the agency would make judicious use of it.
The UK Border Force has been rendering assistance to the agency in the areas of training, mentoring, provision of detection technology and other key infrastructure.
The UKBF’s Regional Operations Manager, (West Africa), Mr. Christopher Hawksfield, who was represented by Ms. Marie Maxwell, gave assurance that the UK government would continue to partner with Nigeria in the fight against illicit drug trafficking across the globe.
Hawksfield noted that the facility would improve the efficiency of officers and men of NDLEA at the airport and the wellbeing of suspects before they are charged to court.
Facilities that were handed over to the NDLEA were a targeting office, an exhibit room, legal seat, two temporary detention facilities for male and female, computer sets as well as office equipment.
The Commander, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Command of NDLEA, Mr.Kabiru Sani Tsakuwa, thanked the UK government and management of NDLEA for their support in making the command’s work easier.
Present at the occasion were the NDLEA Director of Airport Operations, Mrs. Joyce Titus Awogbuyi; Coordinator, International Affairs, Mrs. Kennechi Nnoruka, representatives from Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
