NAN-H-46
Transformation
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, Dec. 14, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Saidat Otulana, the Director, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture says Lagos State Government plans to reconstruct the council and transform it to a world-class tourists destination.
Otulana told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the council upon completion would be a veritable platform for the expression of the totality of arts.
She said that the council’s name would be changed to Lagos State Cultural Museum of Arts from the present Lagos State Council of Arts and Culture.
He said that the project was earmarked for completion in two years’ time.
“Demolition will start any moment from now and the project will to be completed before the end of 2018,’’ she said.
She said that the edifice would house a gallery for the exposition of arts and crafts from Lagos State, with a museum, food court, theme park, arts and crafts shops, theatres, among others.
The director said that opportunities would be opened to artistes for film making, film premiering, stage plays and musical launches.
“There will be beautiful exhibitions of our crafts and arts, artists can decide to make this place their second home when we have all facilities in place.
“The theme park will interest the children as we need to catch the children young, they should know about our arts and crafts,” she said.
Otulana commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for his relentless effort in ensuring that Lagos State became a one stop shop for tourists.
“I appreciate the governor for his efforts in trying to boost tourism in the state through the grooming arts and crafts and installing some monuments across the state.
“There are plans to erect 19 iconic monuments at strategic locations within the state and statues of Jakande, Tinubu, Awolowo and two others will be erected right in front of the state House of Assembly.
“All these are to ensure that Lagos State becomes a destination for both local and foreign tourists,” she said.
Hon. Desmond Elliot, Chairman, House Committee on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Lagos House of Assembly, said that the idea was a beautiful one as it would enhance the activities of artists.
“The government of Lagos state believes there is need for a total overhaul of the council’s building.
“Going by the marked developmental strides the state is embarking on, it will be wise and profitable to have the council up to standard and at par with its competing nations.
“I see artists benefiting greatly from the venture,” he said.
The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture was established in 1973 with the vision to make Lagos State the heart beat of the Nigerian culture through positive enunciation and implementation of the Nigerian cultural policy in its entirety. (NAN)
PTB/GY
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Edited by Grace Yussuf