Dipo Olowookere
Acting General Manager of National Theatre, Mr Ndubuisi Nwogu, has promised to make arrangements for overgrown weeds at the National Theatre be be cleared.
Mr Nwogu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that he would ensure the weeds do not turn to wild plants.
The monument is located in Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos. It was constructed in 1976 in preparation for the Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977 (FESTAC 77).
“If you come in through, Moshood Abiola way, the first lawn you meet is Queen Amina, it has been cut and it is looking tidy.
“The theatre is a very big place, so by the time they are done with one side; the other sides are grown, because of the raining season.
“We have lawnmower and gardeners that cut with their cutlasses but it is a herculean job,” he informed NAN.
He said that the gardeners were working round the clock, saying “they are not resting”.
According to him, “The issue is that the theatre ground is very huge, so it looks as if one side is neglected for a period of time.
“Before they are done with one side the one they did will quickly grow, it is the season that is causing it.”
He, however, said that the issue of people dropping horses and cows for grazing has been addressed because he had ordered the security personnel at the theatre to seize such horses.
“The horses and cows are able to come through the opening from the CCECC, the construction company at the theatre.
“We do not have the issue of security anymore,” he assured.
Mr Nwogu explained that that the light problem at National Theatre was due to its indebtedness to Eko Electricity Distribution Company.
“We have paid part of the bill but the company refuses to come and reconnect the light.
“The generating sets we have are doing the job but by this week the company will reconnect the light,” he said.
