Minister appeals for calm after Artistes’ Village demolitions

The Minister of Information and Culture,Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Saturday urged artists and other creative professionals at the Artistes’ Village around the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, not to do anything that would undermine peace in the area.

The minister made the plea while inspecting some structures occupied by artists and artistes in the village that were demolished there on the orders of the Management of the National Arts Theatre in the early hours of Saturday. Mohammed said the entire area should be transformed to make the National Arts Theatre and other creative establishments around it a hub of arts that could boost its potential as a tourists` delight.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that actors and other creative profesionals around the Artiste`s Village staged a noisy but peaceful protest against the demolition, which was carried out with the assistance of armed policemen, starting from as early as 6:00 am. An artiste, Owie Smart, was allegedly shot in the leg by policemen during the demolition and was still in hospital when the minister visited the area about 4:00 p.m.

“I urge you to remain calm.The last time I came here I said I do not want to see any shanties around here, because such do not add value to this place as an entertainment hub.

“The government is doing everything possible to transform this area and harness its tourism potential.For now there is nothing here. “We are looking for N800million to achieve our goal.So, we should be thinking of how to get the money and not all these issues.

“Please, remain calm and maintain the peace and be sure the government will do everything to support you here,” the minister said.