President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate and global cultural icon, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the President described the gesture as a fitting tribute to Soyinka’s lifetime of contributions to literature, human rights, and national development.
“Uncle Wole Soyinka is one of the most talented and creative minds. I remember your contribution to our struggle, nation-building, and freedom. You are one of the world’s greatest assets”
He urged Nigerians to believe in the country’s potential and refrain from negative narratives.
“This country will succeed. Let us enjoy the glory. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first”
The National Theatre, originally built in 1976, had fallen into disrepair over the years. The N68 billion renovation project, funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, marks a turning point in the country’s cultural and creative infrastructure.
President Tinubu commended the efforts of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whom the initial revival plans were made.
He also called on CBN Governor Cardoso to institute an endowment fund to ensure sustainable maintenance of the edifice.
In a rare show of humility, Professor Soyinka expressed initial reluctance at having the monument named after him, citing his long-standing opposition to naming public monuments after living persons.
“I had my reservations, given the level of degeneration I observed on my last visit. But President Tinubu made it impossible for me to reject the honour.”
Also speaking the CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso announced that the centre now boasts world-class halls, cinemas, galleries, and upgraded infrastructure.
He emphasized the project’s alignment with the President’s vision of preserving national heritage and leveraging the creative industry for economic growth.
The event attracted a high-level audience, including:
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President
Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker, House of Representatives
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President
State Governors, Ministers, and Traditional Rulers
Live performances were delivered by:
The National Troupe of Nigeria
Gerald Eze Ensemble
MudArt House Company
Bolade Austen-Peters Productions
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the event as a “turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and creative destiny.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu added:
“This is more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of our nation’s creative soul.”