The restoration of the National Theatre Lagos signals hope for Nigeria’s creative future—but will this revival be truly sustainable?

The restoration of the National Theatre Lagos is being hailed as a potential turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and economic rebirth.

Once a gleaming symbol of artistic ambition and national pride, the theatre’s decline echoed the broader story of Nigeria itself: a country of grand visions too often thwarted by neglect and mismanagement.

Conceived in the early 1970s, the National Theatre was designed as a hub of African storytelling, performance, and cultural diplomacy. Construction began under General Yakubu Gowon in 1973 and was completed by General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976.

Modelled after the Palace of Culture and Sports in Bulgaria, the iconic structure boasted a 5,000-seat main hall, banquet and cinema halls, galleries, and multiple exhibition spaces.

Its crowning moment came during FESTAC ’77 – the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture – when over 17,000 artists from across Africa and the diaspora gathered in Lagos to celebrate heritage, music, dance, and drama.

The theatre became a vibrant stage for legends like Wole Soyinka and dramatic works such as Isiburu and Camwood on the Leaves.

However, by the late 1980s, the once-thriving complex began to decay. Economic downturns, shifting government priorities, and bureaucratic inertia turned it into a shadow of its former self.

Maintenance stopped. Facilities crumbled. The venue was relegated to weddings and church services, while artists either left or adapted to new digital realities, fuelling a creative brain drain.

The decline of the National Theatre was symptomatic of deeper issues—chief among them the failure to recognise culture as a strategic economic asset.

Where countries like Brazil, South Korea, and India leveraged the arts to drive national identity and economic growth, Nigeria lagged behind. Nollywood thrived, but the infrastructure that once nurtured the arts was left to rot.

Then, in July 2021, a glimmer of hope appeared. The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee launched a bold N65 billion restoration project. By September 2024, visible progress had been made.

Key facilities had been restored, the architecture modernised, and crucially, four new creative hubs – focused on fashion, music, film, and IT – had been added to the 44-hectare site.

The goal is ambitious: transform the theatre from a historic relic into a dynamic engine of Nigeria’s creative economy. With the sector projected to contribute hundreds of billions of naira and generate thousands of jobs, this revival is not just about aesthetics—it’s about sustainable economic diversification in a post-oil era.

But questions remain. Will the revival endure, or will this be another chapter in Nigeria’s cycle of lofty beginnings and short-lived momentum?

For lasting impact, experts argue that infrastructure alone is not enough. Nigeria needs strong policy frameworks that position culture as a central pillar of national development. The creative sector must be integrated into economic planning, supported by robust funding mechanisms and public-private partnerships.

Globally successful cultural institutions thrive on diverse income streams—from ticket sales and philanthropy to international grants and government support. Nigeria must adopt similar models to reduce its reliance on unstable public funds.

Ultimately, the National Theatre stands not just as a building, but as a mirror. It reflects who we are as a people and what we value. Will Nigeria invest in its creative soul or continue to sideline the arts in favour of short-term gains??

NCPC Secretary Bishop Stephen Adegbite stresses that pilgrimage is spiritual rejuvenation, not tourism, as Ebonyi pilgrims depart for Israel and Jordan

The **Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite**, has emphasised that **pilgrimage is a spiritual exercise, not a form of tourism**.

He made this statement during the airlifting of the **8th batch of Christian pilgrims from Ebonyi State** to Israel and Jordan at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Speaking through **Clement Nweke**, Federal Commissioner representing the South East on the NCPC Board, Adegbite assured the pilgrims that they would have the opportunity to visit significant **holy sites in Israel and Jordan**. He expressed confidence that they would return spiritually fulfilled.

“Pilgrimage is not tourism, but a spiritual rejuvenation. You are not going for tourism, but for spiritual rejuvenation,” he reiterated.

He also commended **Governor Francis Nwifuru** for sponsoring over **300 Christian pilgrims** from Ebonyi State, a move he described as a commitment to faith and spiritual growth.

Adegbite urged the pilgrims to **pray fervently** in the Holy Land and return with **outstanding testimonies**.

He also reminded them of **NCPC’s zero-tolerance policy on abscondment**, warning that any defaulter would be identified and dealt with accordingly.

“Ebonyi has never had any issue of abscondment, and we believe this batch will maintain that record,” he added.

Rev. Fr. **Godwin Uguru**, Chairman of the **Ebonyi State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board**, encouraged the pilgrims to **pray for the state** during their journey.

He assured them that the governor had taken all necessary measures to ensure a **hitch-free pilgrimage**.

He concluded with a prayer for **safe travels and a successful spiritual experience**, hoping the pilgrims would **depart and return in peace**.

Following a fatal elephant encounter at Kruger National Park, SANParks urges visitors to prioritise safety and stay in vehicles during wildlife tours

South African National Parks (SANParks) has reiterated its safety guidelines following a tragic incident at Kruger National Park, where a tourist lost their life during an encounter with an elephant.

The incident occurred at Malelane Gate, highlighting the critical need for visitors to stay in their vehicles while observing wildlife.

According to reports, the fatality occurred when a tourist exited their vehicle and was charged by an elephant.

SANParks officials have expressed their condolences and emphasised the importance of adhering to safety rules designed to protect both visitors and wildlife.

This tragedy echoes a similar incident last July when a Spanish tourist at Pilanesberg National Park was fatally attacked after leaving their vehicle to photograph an elephant herd.

Such incidents underscore the risks of stepping outside vehicles in wildlife reserves.

SANParks has also called on witnesses to refrain from sharing graphic images or videos of the recent event on social media due to their sensitive nature. This appeal aims to respect the victim’s family and prevent further distress.

Authorities continue to stress that staying inside vehicles is paramount when navigating wildlife areas. “Safety protocols exist not only to protect visitors but also to preserve the natural behaviour of wildlife,” SANParks management stated.

Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa’s premier tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world.

However, tragedies such as this serve as stark reminders of the need for vigilance and respect for nature’s unpredictability.

By adhering to these guidelines, tourists can enjoy South Africa’s remarkable wildlife while ensuring their safety and preserving the sanctity of these natural environments.