President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the renaming of the National Theatre in Lagos after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, as a deserving tribute to a man whose legacy has placed Nigeria prominently on the global map in arts, literature, and human rights advocacy.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official commissioning of the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, Tinubu noted that the decision to rename the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts was aimed at celebrating the impact of a figure whose contributions continue to shape national identity and global recognition.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the president emphasised that the rejuvenation of the theatre marked a new beginning for Nigeria’s creative economy and cultural promotion. He also used the occasion to urge the management of the facility to establish an endowment fund to ensure its long-term maintenance.
President Tinubu further advised the managers of the centre to ensure the creation of employment opportunities, prevent deterioration of the facility as had occurred in the past, and sustain its preservation in honour of Professor Soyinka.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State commended the Federal Government, under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari and now President Tinubu, for reviving the landmark monument after decades of abandonment. He said Lagos State played a supportive role by providing additional land and constructing a railway station near the venue to enhance accessibility.
“We gather not only to witness the commissioning of a renovated edifice, but to celebrate the rebirth of a national icon—the National Arts Theatre, now rightfully renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. This landmark is more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of our nation’s creative soul. It stands as a reminder that culture is not an accessory to development; it is the foundation upon which identity, unity, and progress are built,” the governor said.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the event as a defining moment for Nigeria’s creative and cultural transformation. She highlighted the uniqueness of having a dedicated ministry for the creative sector and praised the president’s vision for economic empowerment through culture.
“We are privileged to have a President who is intentional about establishing a Ministry dedicated solely to the creative industry. It has never been done in Nigeria’s history. We also have a President passionate about economic and financial empowerment,” she said.
Professor Wole Soyinka, in his response, expressed his gratitude to the president and the Central Bank of Nigeria for restoring the theatre. He admitted he had not believed the edifice could be revived, based on its deteriorated state during his last visit.
He also shared his initial reluctance to accept the naming honour due to his stance against naming public monuments after living individuals. However, he said, “President Tinubu made it impossible for me to reject the honour.”
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, explained that the renovated structure now includes state-of-the-art halls, cinemas, exhibition spaces, and updated infrastructure. He noted that the aim was to preserve Nigeria’s artistic heritage while showcasing its creative talent to the world.
“It was also to honour Nigeria’s artistic heroes and emphasise the potential of the creative industry to drive economic growth and diversification,” Cardoso stated.
Notable attendees at the inauguration included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, federal and state lawmakers, state governors, traditional rulers, and top government officials.
The event featured performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions, showcasing the rich cultural expressions that the newly renamed centre aims to promote.
