Minister inagurates 9-member committee to rehabilitate National Theatre

September 20, 2012 21:07

NAN-H-5

Rehabilitation

Lagos, Sept. 21, 2012 (NAN) Chief Edem Duke, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, on Thursday inaugurated a nine member committee to fashion ways of rehabilitating and restoring the National Theatre, Lagos, to its former glory.

On  the occasion, the minister described the national theatre as the `home of Nigeria’s creativity.’

 ``Unless we restore the national theatre, Nigeria and Nigerians would not get due respect from the creative industry all over the world.

``Several governments all over the world see the national theatre as a sacred ground for the expression of Africa's rich diverse culture.

``I had the privilege of travelling with Mr President to Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Malawi, Botswana and other countries and people talk about Festac 77.

``The images of Festac and fulfilment of Festac continues to resonate in the minds of the people, especially, people in the Diaspora," he said.

Duke described the national theatre as the `biggest theatre in Africa’ and  expressed regret that it had been neglected over the years.

He stressed the need to restore it to its past glory, saying since the Federal Government lacked the resources to rehabilitate the edifice, the private sector should be invited to assist.

``We should realise that government does not have the resources we are looking for but we can leverage on the growing interest of the private sector to find the resources,’’ he said.

The minister appealed to members of the committee to handle their assignment with courage, commitment and with the love of Nigeria in their hearts. (NAN)

NCI/AEA/JCE

==========