The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has disclosed that an exploded gas cylinder has caused a fire, which affected some sections of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu.
An X poster, @Gabntoka said that multiple explosions and could be seen in the fire, with fire heavily blazing and smoke billowing from Iponri.
At the time of filing this report, the cause of further damage by the inferno remains unclear.
The edifice was built in 1977 by the Olusegun Obasanjo's Military Government for the FESTAC festival
MANAGEMENT REJOINDER BY THE Nationaltheatre Nigeria
RE: FIRE RAIZES NATIONAL THEATRE
Our attention was drawn to the above misleading headline first published on the X handle of Leadership Newspaper earlier today.
We would like to state that the headline is misleading. Fire did not raze the National Theatre building that is currently being rehabilitated. The fire occured at a remote area annexed to the National Theatre environment, formerly occupied by Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization -CBAAC, around a portion of land called the Artiste Village and the area is miles away from the National Theatre main building currently under rehabilitation.
We also like to state that even in the area it occured, there was no structural and or human damage and none of our facilities are affected.
The National Arts Theatre holds a special place in our hearts as a symbol of artistic expression, cultural heritage, and national pride. As custodian of this iconic institution, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all visitors, staff, and artists.
We commend our Emergency Response Team and especially, the Lagos State Fire Service for their immediate responses that put the situation under firm control.
The management is currently working closely with the relevant government and law enforcement agencies to ascertain the actual cause of the fire in order to prevent its future occurrence.
Signed
Management
31st December, 2023
Leadershipnews