The Lagos State Ministry of Art and Culture has announced that it would improve on promoting theatre activities by engaging in public-private partnership and collaboration across the State.

This was disclosed at the commemoration of World Theatre Day by the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, who reiterated the government’s commitments to intensify efforts to promote culture and involve more stakeholders.

He explained that the government supports initiatives to showcase Nigerian and African culture through various events and activities.

According to Idris, the State is poised to take advantage of the vantage position and will continue to do its best. The day cannot be celebrated without reflecting on the heritage culture.

Idris, during his speech, said: “The State government supports every initiative in the tourism and entertainment industry, and that has been our guide.

“We need to intensify and increase conversation and continue to loud it to the world because Lagos has much to contribute to theatre and tourism.

“We are intensifying more efforts, expanding the scope, and ensuring more people are involved. We are engaging more stakeholders to promote the theatre industry because we have a governor who believes in it.

“There are plans to take it to the next level in the area of school competitions and also teach it in the school curriculum so that students in a secondary school, as well as the higher institutions, can be part of promoting theatre and African culture.

“It is not just about Yoruba culture; it is about Nigeria. It is about our identity as Africans and what we believe. We are determined to increase the conversation as we continue this journey.

There are many theatre groups, including the Lagos City Council for Art and Culture, the DLMT, the Kings and Coins, and the Footprints, among others. This is a testimony that we can have activities to entertain our audience for more than 12 hours.

“Lagosians should expect more entertainment programs every month and collaborations with public-private partnerships to further promote tourism and culture in Lagos,” he assured.

One of the veteran artists, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, called on the government and politicians to patronize and support the arts.