President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the decision to rename the renovated National Theatre in Lagos after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, describing it as a fitting honour for a figure whose contributions in literature, human rights, and nation-building have elevated Nigeria’s global standing.
The facility, originally built in 1976, has been rechristened the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts following a ₦68 billion renovation supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tinubu praised Soyinka as “one of the world’s greatest assets,” recalling his role in the nation’s democratic struggle.
“Uncle Wole Soyinka is one of the most talented and creative minds. I remember your contribution to our struggle, nation-building and freedom. It could not have been anyone else,” the President said.
Tinubu also urged Nigerians at home and abroad to project a positive image of the country, insisting that the nation is destined for greatness.
“This is a country of very proud people. We know what we are. From our parents, we inherited a nation of great, confident, and dedicated people. This country will succeed. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first,” he said.
The President further applauded Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee for spearheading the project, while urging the establishment of an endowment fund to ensure the facility’s sustainable maintenance.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described the reopening as a rebirth of Nigeria’s cultural pride.
“This landmark is more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of our nation’s creative soul. Culture is not an accessory to development; it is the foundation of identity, unity, and progress,” he said.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, hailed the commissioning as a turning point for the creative industry, while CBN Governor Cardoso highlighted the facility’s world-class upgrades, including modern halls, galleries, and cinemas.
Professor Soyinka, visibly moved, admitted he had initially been reluctant to accept the honour due to his past criticism of naming monuments after living persons, but noted that President Tinubu’s insistence left him unable to refuse.
The event was attended by dignitaries including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, governors, lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and other senior officials.
Guests were also treated to performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions.