The Ogun State Government said it did not collect N20,000 from the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners for rehearsal at the June 12 Cultural Centre.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, revealed this in a statement provided to the news outlet.
Fagbayi explained that the charge was for cleaning services and not for the rehearsal itself, and that the association's statements were wrong and could damage the government's reputation.
Fagbayi clarified that the association had received approval from the ministry to use the facility.
However, they did not consult the ministry about the service charge before tarnishing the government's image.
He stated that the association's statement against the government was unfair, considering the government's support for the entertainment sector.
The commissioner mentioned that the government did not violate the National Cultural Policy of Nigeria.
He assured them that the current administration would continue to support the tourism industry.
However, the ANTP Governor, Bashir Sanni, stated that they had requested permission to hold rehearsals at the June 12 Cultural Centre, but were asked to pay N20,000 per day by the government.
Sanni clarified that the letter from the government indicated the payment for rehearsals, not performances, even though they would be under trees with unpredictable weather.
Sanni explained that their request was not unusual, as holding rehearsals in cultural centers with permission is common practice in the industry.
Ogun State Government, on Wednesday, denied collecting N20,000 as charges from the state chapter of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners for its rehearsal at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, disclosed this in a statement made available to our correspondent. Fagbayi said what […]
