Press Releases

Fashola Charges Theatre Practitioners to Act As Agents of Sensitisation

Feb 22, 2008 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) over the weekend charged theatre arts practitioners to act as agents of sensitisation of members of the public on the need to be wary of fire incidents and outbreaks.

Speaking at his investiture at the New Lagos House Ikeja as the grand patron of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) Lagos State chapter, Governor Fashola added that the practitioners could help in ensuring that the citizenry get better enlightened on how to use items like kerosene, lanterns and explosives.

He said through the medium of their movies and films, theatre artistes can help to reduce the high incidences of fire which has been aided by harmattan and high wind and enlighten people on the dangers of sleeping in markets where most fire outbreaks originate from.

While expressing the readiness of the state fire service to combat fire outbreaks, Governor Fashola implored that by being more vigilant, the high prevalence of fire could be reduced.

Governor Fashola who emphasized the necessity of paying taxes to every taxable adult in the state, added that the payment constitute the only way to ensure a Brighter Rewarding Future for every resident of Lagos.

He appealed to the people to contribute to the present quest by the state government to prevent flooding of Lagos by ensuring that all cleared drains and silts are not blocked with refuse as this may draw back the hand of the clock.

The Governor who acknowledged the vital role the movie industry is playing in the socio economic development of Nigeria , said the total turnover of the industry is above 500 million US dollars.

Fashola explained that in addition to the thousands of jobs generated by the industry, the movie industry has also improved the image of the country.

He reiterated his promise to ensure the building of a film village in Lagos , which would be dedicated to film and theatre.

The State Governor described his investiture by the ANTP as 'very humbling', adding that all members of the association deserve very great commendation for the role they played during the last general elections.

He recalled that when he sought and got the support of the members during the last campaign to become the Governor, the support was very reassuring as it turned the tide in his favour.

In his address, the State Chairman of ANTP, Alhaji Hakeem Alimi a.k.a Ajala Jalingo said the investiture of Governor Fashola is a confirmation of the fact that he is a performing Governor.

THE Governor was later decorated by the National President of ANTP, Prince Jide Kosoko who was assisted by other notable practitioners like Yinka Quadri and Mrs Bukky Ajai.