The National Theatre has undergone a significant renovation, thanks to the efforts of the Bankers’ Committee, which has successfully restored a sense of national pride.
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National Theatre |
The Bankers Committee is close to finishing the
refurbishment and enhancement of facilities at the National Theatre, Iganmu,
Lagos, marking a significant moment in the restoration of national pride. This
announcement was made during a media briefing and tour of the revamped National
Theatre complex in Lagos on Tuesday.
The renovation project commenced in July 2021 after
receiving approval from the Federal Government and the subsequent transfer of
the national structure to the Bankers’ Committee.
Through the revitalization of this iconic asset, the Bankers’
Committee seeks to create opportunities for the youth in the creative industry,
resulting in job creation, revenue generation, and foreign exchange earnings.
This initiative aims to establish a vibrant creative and entertainment hub that
includes essential community spaces for the Nigerian populace.
The Infrastructure underwent significant enhancements to
align with the highest global standards for theaters and performances. The
entire HVAC system was replaced, fire safety measures were upgraded, and power,
water supply, and sewage systems were all renovated. Interior design
improvements included the installation of state-of-the-art AVL systems,
world-class stage engineering, 11 elevators, solar power, new furnishings, and
the meticulous restoration of artworks, including those adorning the internal
wall panels and the building’s façade.
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Circulation Lobbies |
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Sanitary Facilities |
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Banquet Hall 3 |
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Circulation Lobbies 2 |
The renovation project encompasses various spaces, including
the 4,000-seat main auditorium, a 3,000-seat banquet hall, two exhibition
halls, three cinemas, VIP areas, actors’ dressing rooms, an industrial kitchen,
over 300 new restroom facilities, a clinic, a fire station, lobbies within the
four National Theatre entrances, and extensive roof repairs.
Regarding the Bankers’ Committee’s restoration of the
National Theatre, Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty
Trust Holding Company Plc. (GTCo), stated that, “I don’t think there are many
countries in Africa that have the talent that we have in entertainment and the
arts. All you can do when you have talented people, is to give them a platform
to showcase their best. We will try to give a platform, where Nigerians who are
in my opinion the best, have a chance to show the world that they are the best.”
The National Arts Theatre was constructed during 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.
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Artefact 1 |
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Road |
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Circulation Lobbies 1 |
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Banquet Hall |
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Gate House |