Save National Theatre complex from hoodlums, Lagos residents cry out

RESIDENTS living in Costain, Apapa Road, Ijora and the environs have called on the Federal Government to clear illegal structures around the National Theatre Complex, Iganmu, that they alleged has become a safe haven for criminals.

Visitors and residents passing through the Iganmu en route Lagos Island, Ebute Meta, or Ijora would marvel over the environmental nuisance the National Theatre complex, Iganmu, has become.

Till the time this report was being filed, the complex and its environ was an eyesore, as the surroundings, including the canal filled with refuse of different materials.

Apart from dirty surrounding, the perimeter fence was also in a dilapidated condition, while the edifice is nothing suggesting structural stability.

Taking a professional look at the complex, Mr Tajudeen Adeogun, a structural engineer, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune lamented the sorry condition of the edifice.

Apart from the dirtiness that characterised the environment, there is need for the authority to check its structural condition.

“I think it was the sorry state of the National Theatre that informed why the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Fatai Owoseni, recently described it as “becoming a security threat.”

The police chief raised concerns over the state of the country’s pride during a visit to the edifice.

According to Owoseni, “How could they have left this bush to grow like this? Is there no one responsible for this place? I expect that they should know that not clearing a bush like this exposes residents to security risks, as hoodlums can capitalise on the situation to dispossess residents and passersby of their valuables.”

A visibly disturbed Owoseni was forced to seek the attention of those in charge of the edifice.

The situation on ground has also become worrisome for people within the premises.

Shop owners who volunteered information confessed that the area has now become a security risk and a clear danger to lives and property in the neighbourhood.

“Apart from cleaning the environment, there is need to light up the whole area and the overgrown weeds should be cut.

“Area boys around have converted the place to their place of abode, using the canal as toilet at night, and illegal structure as home.

“Besides, everywhere smells during the day. As one can see, the National Theatre has lost its glory. I think the situation of the complex is not different from the same fate that befell the National Stadium, Surulere, which is the reflection of our leaders’ attitude to national assets.”

Another resident, who simply gave his name as “Tony,” urged government to sanitise the place, or at least, give it out to private investors either on concession or outright sale.”

Just like the National Stadium in Surulere, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos has also indicated his desire to revive the complex. Although, details of his desires are yet to be made elaborate.

Besides, it would be recalled that Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed visited the theatre late last year and promised to put things in good shape, but this is yet to be actualised.

It would be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his tenure nullified the idea of concessioning the theatre, a decision which threw art practitioners into wild jubilation, especially, when he announced that the Federal Government will not cede the property to the Bureau for Private Enterprise’s (BPE) auctioneers bells.

The former president at an audience with a delegation of the Council of Lagos State Eminent Citizens (COLSEC) led by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu, at the State House, declared that although the Federal Government had the right to do whatever it wished with its property, but stated that “part of the mandate given to me is not to cede any federal property, but would not cede National Theatre, or concession it.”

But today, observers are of the view that it would have been better, if any of the said options was taken than allow the property to continue to rotten.