The Lagos State Government Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture joined the globe in the commemoration of the 2024 World Theatre Day (WTD), spotlighting Lagos as a melting pot for every culture under the thematic preoccupation of ‘Theatre and A Culture of Peace’.
The event which took place at the Mike Adenuga Centre Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, Lagos recently was graced by high-profile personalities and stakeholders from within and outside the country including veteran actors and actresses.
The highlight of the event featured classic stage performances that cut across genres such as drama, music, poem, dance etc.
While entertaining the audience, the performances by the different groups all climaxed at the different levels to address the ups and downs of not just Lagos State but the entire country Nigeria – from the brain drain situation to the japa syndrome, the current biting inflation, frustration of the masses, beautiful cultural diversity, amongst others.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe said: “This is about showcasing Nigeria and Africa. It is about who we are and what we believe in. It is about looking at what we have in terms of culture, music, events, film, theatre, scenic places and views, amongst others and showcasing them to the world. The aim is to promote theatre and spotlight Lagos as the number one destination for tourism.”
Aregbe further said: “The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes so much in the potentials of entertainment and tourism and it is an honour to be part of his team. We are working World tirelessly to put Lagos state on a global spotlight. Lagos is a melting pot for every culture. We are intensifying the scope and making sure that more people are also being involved.
We are trying to build a Lagos, whereby you don’t have to wait till December to get entertaining events. This is why we are also encouraging public-private partnerships in doing these.”
Veteran actress, producer, broadcaster, writer and educationist, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett said the fusion of tourism, art and culture is an excellent idea, “which is what this event is about. This is because you are not going to have tourism except you have something that people are coming to visit. The government should really support entertainment in a big way as this is what people come from far and wide to see. Politicians can do more by supporting arts and entertainment than they are doing now. Entertainers should be incorporated in all these. These are the people who will draw tourists to Nigeria. They are the people you are selling. When you equate liveliness and creativity, people become more interested and this brings people into our country hereby boosting our tourism. When this happens, our Naira appreciates.”
She continued: “The theatre which is in the entertainment industry is the lifeline of Nigeria. This is where the future of Nigeria is because we are incredible, creative and that creativity spills into science and all sorts of things. If you major in the creative industry, you can boost the country’s economy. So when the government focuses on entertainment, they are focusing on the people.”
