President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, describing the gesture as a fitting tribute to Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate whose literary genius and human rights advocacy have earned global acclaim.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu hailed Professor Soyinka as “one of the world’s greatest assets”, recalling his immense contributions to nation-building, freedom, and the creative industry. “It could not have been anyone else,” Tinubu said. “This honour is richly deserved, and I knew Uncle Wole would not disobey this President.”
The President expressed optimism that the theatre’s rebirth would revive Nigeria’s arts, culture, and creative economy, and he urged Nigerians at home and abroad to uphold the nation’s dignity. “This is a country of proud people,” he said. “We must believe in ourselves. Nigeria will succeed. Let us lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria, and put Nigeria first.”
The theatre’s facelift — a ₦68 billion project funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee — was commended by Tinubu, who called on CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso to establish an endowment fund to ensure its maintenance.
He also urged managers of the facility to generate jobs, safeguard it from neglect, and preserve it in Soyinka’s honour.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos described the commissioning as a “rebirth of a national icon”, adding that the state supported the renewal by providing land and ensuring accessibility through a nearby railway station. “This edifice is not just concrete and steel,” Sanwo-Olu said. “It is the heartbeat of our creative soul — proof that culture is the foundation of identity, unity, and progress.”
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, hailed the day as “a turning point for Nigeria’s cultural destiny”, noting that Tinubu was the first President to create a standalone ministry for the creative sector.
Professor Soyinka, visibly moved, admitted he had once believed the theatre was beyond rescue given its dilapidation. Though initially hesitant about the renaming — citing his past criticisms of monuments named after living figures — he said President Tinubu left him no choice but to accept the honour.
CBN Governor Cardoso said the renovated complex now boasts world-class performance halls, exhibition spaces, cinema theatres, and modern infrastructure, designed not only to preserve Nigeria’s heritage but also to project the nation’s creative influence globally.
The high-profile event was attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, state governors, traditional rulers, ministers, lawmakers, and senior officials.
Guests were treated to spectacular performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions.
President Tinubu concluded: “There is no honour too big for Soyinka. This centre will forever stand as a beacon of creativity, freedom, and the enduring Nigerian spirit.”
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