President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos, renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing the gesture as a well-deserved tribute to Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate.
The commissioning ceremony, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, took place at Iganmu, Lagos, on Wednesday. Dignitaries present included Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu said the decision to rename the cultural landmark in Soyinka’s honour reflected the writer’s global influence in 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. It could not have been anyone else, and I knew you would not disobey this President,” Tinubu said.
The President urged Nigerians at home and abroad to refrain from speaking negatively about the country, stressing that unity and confidence in national potential were vital for progress.
“This is a country of very proud people. We know what we are. It is about us believing in ourselves. From our parents, we inherited a nation of great, confident, and dedicated people. This country will succeed. Let us enjoy the glory. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first,” he added.
The N68 billion renovation was funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, with additional contributions from the Lagos State Government, which provided land and improved access through a railway station.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso noted that the modernised facility now features world-class halls, cinema rooms, exhibition spaces and upgraded infrastructure. He explained that the project aligned with President Tinubu’s vision of harnessing Nigeria’s creative economy for growth and diversification.
Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed the restoration as “the rebirth of a national icon,” emphasising that culture was not just an accessory to development but “the foundation upon which identity, unity and progress are built.”
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the inauguration as a historic milestone for Nigeria’s cultural sector. “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,” she said.
In his response, Professor Soyinka expressed gratitude for the recognition but admitted he initially had reservations. “I had never believed it could be salvaged, given the level of degeneration I observed during my last visit. I also have known criticisms of naming monuments after living leaders. But President Tinubu made it impossible for me to reject this honour,” he stated.
The event featured performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company and Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions.
Among dignitaries in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, several ministers, traditional rulers, and members of the National and State Assemblies.
President Tinubu also called on the CBN Governor to establish an endowment fund for the theatre’s maintenance, urging its managers to ensure sustainability, job creation and the preservation of Soyinka’s legacy.
