Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke and the Chairman of Channels Television, Dr. John Mommoh have thrown their weight behind the maiden Lagos International Theatre Festival coming up from November 14 to 17, 2024.
The duo who gave their support to the festival said it’s high time the theater industry was revived in Nigeria, as it is an avenue for creating job opportunities for the youths and boosting the economy of Nigeria.
They spoke at a briefing held on Tuesday at the Lagos House, Marina to usher in the festival.
According to Sanwo-Olu,his administration has focused on repositioning the entertainment and creative arts industry as part of its THEMES + agenda adding that the sector will help in laundering Nigeria’s positive image.
The governor noted that the creative industry will sell Nigeria to the world, just as he urged the senior actors in the industry not to give up in mentoring the upcoming actors.
The.Chairman, Channels Television John.Mommoh, who is the chairman of the planning committee, commended Lagos State governor for making the Lagos International Theater festival a reality.
“I believe we have men and women that make this possible, Nigeria is not short of people,all that we need is to give us the support and the necessary assistance,” he said.
Duke in his remark said, a cosmopolitan state like Lagos needs a leadership that is exposed, because Nigeria has the largest film industry in the world.
“We have the largest film industry in the world, now we are going to be celebrating our own work. I commend all of you for embracing the work of Bolanle Austin-Peters.
Austin -Peters , who is the organiser of the festival, said initially she was reluctant to take up the assignment, but was motivated by the fact that it would create job opportunities for 24,000 young people.
” I was motivated by the fact that it creates job opportunities for 24,000 young people, that is why I embarked on the festival,” she said.
She thanked the Lagos State government for supporting the festival, adding that by 2025, the festival will be held at the refurbished National Theatre now Wole Soyinka Theatre.
The maiden edition of the festival will be held at five different locations two of which are the Terra Culture and the Glover Hall.