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The German Cultural
and Information Centre, Goethe Institut formally opened its office at a
new location, Lagos City Hall, Lagos Island, on Friday, March 25. The
centre ceased operations in its former office on Ozumba Mbadiwe,
Victoria Island, Lagos in December 2009.

The City Hall
opening ceremony was well attended by members of the arts and culture
fraternity. Kathrina von Ruckteschell-Katte, Regional Head of Goethe in
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Consul General of the German Consulate in
Lagos, Walter L. von der Driesch, were also present. In the opening
address, Marc-Andre Schmachtel, director of the Institut, expressed his
gratitude towards all who graced the occasion and spoke briefly about
the new location of the institute. “I am happy that this is a place
that is very central. It’s a good location, lively surroundings with
good parking space,” he said. He added that if people cannot come to
Goethe, then Goethe has to go to them and this informed their choice of
the present location.

Determined to
continue with its task of organising and promoting cultural activities
in Nigeria, Schmachtel, disclosed that the institut has created a
webpage tagged ‘Live in Lagos’ where information about scheduled
cultural activities can be uploaded free of charge. The director also
revealed that the institute would be celebrating its 50th year in
Nigeria in 2012. Ruckteschell-Katte, who also gave a brief speech was
pleased that the institut is no longer homeless.

She reiterated the
determination of the Goethe towards pursuing its goals. “The goal of
the institut is to bring together African artists and foster
intercultural dialogue.” The Consul-General in his address said that
the Goethe Institut has been in Nigeria since 1962 and has achieved a
good reputation among Nigerians. “In addition, Goethe Institut provides
a comprehensive picture of Germany by sustainable information about
cultural, social and political life in Germany,” he said. “The institut
permits continuous cultural work and language teaching in a decent
environment.” After the address, the director of the institute took the
attendees on a tour of the new office.

The well spaced office arena includes classrooms and a library. A
small exhibition of paintings and installation art were on display in
one of the rooms at the institute. There were also musical performances
by highlife singer Orlando Julius and his band, Nigerian-German
songster, Ade Bantu as well as Germany-based Jazz singer, Chinaza.