Understanding Sanwo-Olu’s excitement at the restoration of the ‘National Theatre’ by Akeem Lasisi

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently took on the role of a bearer of good news during his visit to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre. He excitedly provided an update on the progress of the redevelopment of the 47-year-old monument. According to him, the regeneration effort is real and nearing completion, with the place set to be launched in a matter of months.

The Governor’s announcement is great news for many in the creative and business communities who have long appreciated the role the iconic asset has played in the past. With the intervention of the Bankers’ Committee, in a deal brokered by the Federal Government, it is believed that the ‘new’ theatre will significantly impact the creative scene.

Ironically, when Sanwo-Olu expressed delight at the success of the intervention, some questioned his excitement, wondering why he was so interested in a monument that belongs to the Federal Government and not Lagos State. While this argument is a typical online rant without deep reflection, it is worth considering what this mega facility means for Lagos and, by extension, the Governor. Firstly, the edifice is a pride of Lagos. Its strategic location and beautiful structure make it a major tourist center in the city. If it were to fall into disrepair, it would be a significant blight and an eyesore. Now that it is being massively renovated and expanded, Lagos has every reason to celebrate and commend the regeneration effort.

As the center of the creative enterprise in Nigeria, Lagos needs a mega center like the Soyinka Centre to be vibrant and operational. For musical and dramatic performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, and fashion shows, it has no equal when in top condition. The center features facilities such as Cinema Halls 1 & 2, the Marquee, Banquet Hall, VIP Lounge, and the Roof Garden. The Main Hall, however, stands out with its design, which is reminiscent of the traditional arena-type stage unique to Africa.

“This hall can seat 5,000 people. It has a collapsible stage and an auditorium. In proscenium mode, the hall has a capacity of 3,500 seats. The cinema screen in the hall is fixed to the ceiling and can be lowered by remote control. The stage has three rows of curtains, a backdrop, and a double cyclorama for creating silhouette effects, among others. It is easily adaptable to any directional concept. Versatile for many events, the hall is ideal for major musical concerts, drama and film shows, and can even accommodate indoor sporting activities like tennis, wrestling, and boxing,” notes the theatre management on its website. A functional National Theatre is indeed a comprehensive asset to the entertainment industry, which the Sanwo-Olu government has been striving to enhance, as outlined in its T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

An earlier inspection by the Bankers’ Committee revealed that the facilities have been upgraded to match the highest standards of theatre and performance globally. The entire Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system has been replaced, fire safety standards have been upgraded, and power, water supply, and sewage systems have been entirely overhauled. The interior design has also been enhanced with the installation of Audio Video Lighting, a world-class stage engineering system, 11 lifts, solar power, new furniture for various spaces, and the restoration of artworks, including those on internal wall panels and the building façade.

Regarding the Bankers’ Committee’s restoration of the National Theatre, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, stated, “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 provide them with a platform to showcase their best. We aim to offer a platform where Nigerians, who I believe are the best, can show the world their talent.”

Moreover, the restored facility will help Lagos manage congestion and traffic issues. It will absorb some of the crowds and traffic, including artists, producers, audiences, and other fun seekers, as well as stakeholders from other sectors whose interests are also considered in the expansion and renovation. Interestingly, unlike some other mega centers that occasionally cause traffic due to their proximity to major roads, the Wole Soyinka Arena does not compete with any road or street. It also boasts a vast parking space. Naturally, the state government would be pleased to have a center that does not add to its traffic control challenges.

Another significant reason Sanwo-Olu might be eager to announce the progress at the venue is its potential to contribute to the local economy through revenue generation. The various businesses that will emerge and thrive in the revived ‘General’s Cap’—as the theatre is also known due to its design—will provide the state with tax revenues, which will, in turn, enhance its ability to create a better environment for all.

No wonder Governor Sanwo-Olu could not wait for the facility to come back to life when he visited. He praised the Bankers’ Committee and stakeholders in the creative sector who collaborated with the Lagos State Government to restore the edifice to meet international standards.

He said: “I am truly excited about the work the Bankers Committee has accomplished. They have demonstrated that when we commit ourselves as a country and as a people, we can achieve the best outcomes. When we visited here four or five years ago, we were discouraged by the state of one of our national treasures. But in the past four to five years, and with what we see today during our tour, we have restored its former glory, even in a bigger, better, and more transformative way. I commend all the professionals and companies involved in this effort.

“I believe it will be a venue where international audiences will see that we are ready to make a global impact in entertainment, tourism, creativity, and, importantly, business conferences and seminars, which we often attend in other parts of the world. It is a one-stop shop that has everything you could imagine, comparable to any other world conference center, with the added flavor of arts and culture.

“Moreover, the Blue Line train that we built around this area complements the entire infrastructure, making this a complete destination for Nigerians. The newly reborn Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts is set to open its doors to the public, thanks to the efforts of the Lagos State Government and the Bankers Committee.”