Oluwatosin Lamidi
The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has said that constructions of six new Arts Theatres has commenced in the state.
The governor spoke while inaugurating the Board of Arts and Culture on Wednesday at Banquet Hall, Lagos State.
Ambode urged the new board members to explore private sector support to nurture new talents and generate events for a sustainable development of the creative arts sector in the State.
According to him, the State Government in the last 23 months has covered a lot of ground in terms of design and structure of the arts and entertainment sector.
He said however, so much still needed to be done if it must realize its goal to become a global hub for music, theatre and film.
“The commitment of our administration to harness the huge creative talents that abound in the State in the fields of Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Sports has never been in doubt.
“The ultimate goal is to use all of these to drive tourism, create employment and increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to the State’s gross domestic product.
“The Council for Arts and Culture which we have just inaugurated has a huge responsibility to translate our vision in this regard to reality,” the Governor said.
Ambode tasked the Board to ensure sustainable management of arts and culture facilities and infrastructures in the State and create a sustainable framework for the sector.
Members of Board include, arts enthusiast, Polly Alakija as Chairman, with veteran thespian, Joke Silva, multiple award winning actor and movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, influential visual artist, Kolade Oshinowo and foremost artist and designer, Nike Okundaye as members.
Other members include, Mobee of Badagry, High Chief Patrick Yodenu Mobee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Adesina Adeyemi and Director of Culture at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Saidat Otulana.
He said the inauguration of the Board, coming on the heels of the 50-day event countdown of the State’s Golden Jubilee celebration, showed the total commitment of his administration to put the arts and culture sector in the right perspective.
