LAGOS – Few fun-seekers on Thursday patronised the National Arts Theatre Iganmu, Lagos, for the celebration of the New Year Day.
A check by the correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that only few well-dressed fun seekers, including children, were seen at the arena having fun.
Some of the fun-loving people were seen seated under small picnic tents on the field around the Theatre, while others queued up to watch a movie.
NAN reports that some children took turns to ride on horses around the environment.
Mr Olufemi Odunuga, the Director of Gemini Films and Marketing Nig. Ltd, told NAN that the company had used the opportunity provided by the public holiday, to show some its movies.
Odunuga said that despite the company’s expectation of high patronage, the turnout was unimpressive, when compared to the last Muslim Eid holidays in October 2014.
“The National Arts Theatre is a place for arts and culture; that is why we are here to advertise this multi-million naira project on this special day of the year.
“The patronage is fair enough but not up to expectation.
“We are hoping to get more audience later in the day and also during the weekend, since Friday has also been declared a public holiday by the Federal Government,’’ he said.
Mr Olayinka Balogun, a father of three, told NAN that the choice of the National Theatre was to enable his children to enjoy the festive period.
“We are here to have fun and relax. My children want to ride on horses, and that is why I brought them here, ‘’ he said.
Another parent, Mrs Bolaji Olowu, accompanied by her children, described the venue as peaceful and beautiful.
“I chose to have quality time with my family here because of the serenity of the environment,’’ she said.
Mrs Tobi Oni, a shop-owner at the Theatre also expressed dissatisfaction at the low turnout of customers compared to the previous years’ celebrations.
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“We have recorded low sales today; we are hoping to get more customers at the weekend. Most people are coming in with their food and drinks.
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“I think people are trying to cut cost; that is why they are coming with their own food and drinks,’’ she said.
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A security officer, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the environment was properly secured against any criminal activities.
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“We have our officers and men in uniform and mufti all over the place, to curb criminal acts,” he said. (NAN)
