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 lead a team of Federal Government consultants and Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) to the royal father, at the weekend, said the regeneration of the edifice, which is at the instance of the Federal Government, provided the opportunity for the state government to consider the upgrading of adjoining communities.
He noted that the regeneration project, involving some correlative facilities that support the entertainment industry, would boost the environment and provide jobs to the locals, in addition to contributing to the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The commissioner disclosed plan to convene a stakeholders’ meeting on the regeneration move and enjoined the traditional ruler to support the project and advocate its success to his subjects.
General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Ajibike Shomade, said that it is important for the state government and its people to take advantage of the project to effect the regeneration of the two distressed communities and bring them to the standards of the 21st Century.
Also, the Programme Manager, SANEF Creative, Titilola Park, who spoke for the Federal Government, said that the National Theatre was an important national monument whose regeneration would go a long way in restoring the glory of the state.
Meanwhile, Oba Aromire, who assured Lagos State government of his support for the project, said that the community would be looking forward to the proposed stakeholders’ meeting to further elaborate the importance of the project.
He, therefore, urged the government to always consider the key roles of traditional land-owners to development projects.
The Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland, Aare Tomori Williams, who doubles as the Attorney to the Oloto Royal Family, said that he embraced the beneficial project and would pass the message to the Oloto Royal family. He commended the move to sensitise the Royal Father on the project.
