The Lagos State Government has sought the understanding of the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, on the regeneration of the National Theatre, Iganmu and surrounding communities.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, who led a team of Federal Government Consultants and representatives of Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) to the royal father over the weekend, said that the regeneration of the edifice would also provide an opportunity to upgrade adjoining communities like Otto and Otumara to modern standards.
Salako noted that the project would extend to some facilities that support the entertainment industry, boost aesthetics of the environment and provide jobs to the locals, just as it aligns with the vision of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu Administration.
Disclosing that a stakeholders forum will be convened to get the support of the community, the Commissioner enjoined the traditional ruler to support the project and advocate its success amongst his subjects.
In her address at the gathering, the General Manager of LASURA, Ms. Ajibike Shomade, emphasised the advantage of the National Theatre regeneration programme, noting that it is an opportunity to elevate the two adjoining, distressed communities to 21st Century standards.
Speaking for the Federal Government team, the Programme Manager, SANEF Creative, Titilola Park, said that the National Theatre is an important national monument whose regeneration would go a long way in restoring the glory of the State.
The Ojora of Lagos, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, in his response, said that the community would look forward to the proposed stakeholders meeting to elaborate further on the importance of the project.
He, however, urged the Government to always consider traditional land owners’ critical roles in development projects such as the one at hand.
Also speaking, the Aare Onikoyi of Yoruba Land, Aare Tomori Williams, who doubles as the Attorney to the Oloto Royal Family, embraced the project and pledged to pass the message to the Oloto Royal family while hailing the move to notify the Royal Father.
