Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on Tuesday declared that the unveiling of the renovated National Theatre and its renaming as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts represents “a turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and creative destiny.”
Delivering an address at the ceremony attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Lagos State Governor, CBN Governor and other dignitaries, Musawa said, “I want to wish everyone a happy 65th Independence Day to the great people of our great nation, a very great, dynamic, vivacious, culturally creative people of Nigeria. Today carries a profound symbolism.”
She said the day united independence and renewed hope with the rebirth of a cultural landmark.
“Independence, our renewed hope, meet here today, marking a turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and creative destiny. As His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leads us in this commemoration of a milestone and of freedom, he also gifts the nation the rebirth of this cultural landmark, with the opening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.”
Musawa praised President Tinubu’s deliberate creation of a dedicated ministry for culture and his commitment to expanding the creative economy.
“As it has never been done before, we are blessed to have a president who is very intentional and very deliberate about establishing a ministry dedicated solely to the creative sector, and who has also been quite passionate about the economic expansion found in this sector and to empower the teeming youthful population of this country.
“His presence here today really does testify to that passion and determination to give every single creative root in this country a platform.”
She reflected on the National Theatre’s origins, noting its historic role during FESTAC ’77.
“In 1976, in preparation for FESTAC ’77, it stood as a historical hub of African culture, a place where our stories were told, our voices amplified, and our identity affirmed. This theatre is the virtue that birthed the ideal of every single Nigerian. It is only fitting that this landmark now bears the name of Professor Wole Soyinka under the light of an eternal story.”
She praised Soyinka’s role in shaping society, saying:
“His words have rectified and reflected our society with honesty while illuminating paths of justice, creativity, and of unity.”
Turning to policy, Musawa outlined how the Renewed Hope Agenda places culture and creativity at the heart of Nigeria’s development.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, the creative economy is recognised as a vital driver of diversification, of job creation, and of national pride. The Motherland Initiative is creating new bridges to the diaspora back home to celebrate their heritage and contribute to the future. This transformation is a fruit of collaboration.”
She expressed gratitude to the institutions that drove the theatre’s rebirth.
“I extend the appreciation, dear Presidents, Mr President, to the Governor of Lagos, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and to the Bankers’ Committee, for all the partners who have made this possible. I also warmly acknowledge the recent appointment of Mr Hesu Holloway, the Executive Chairman of the FIAT Department, and also commitment to recognise Mrs Chola Akerele, CEO of Nigeria.”
The minister also announced Nigeria’s plans for FESTAC’s golden anniversary.
“Nigeria proudly announces the road to FESTAC 2027 at the United Nations General Assembly. In 2027, right here in this edifice, our nation will once again welcome the world to celebrate the golden anniversary of that historic moment, reigniting Africa’s cultural confidence and affirming our enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism.”
She singled out the achievements of 15-year-old Nigerian ballet dancer Anthony Madu.
“Mr President, I must mention today in the audience there is a young Nigerian, he’s 15 years old, his name is Anthony Madu. He’s the first Nigerian to win an Emmy in America. This shows you the brilliance that Nigeria can offer and I want to thank him for being here today.”
Musawa also recalled a personal moment with the President that inspired her poetry.
“At the very beginning of my appointment, Mr President showed me a video about spoken words that was written by Ossika, and he thought that it encapsulated what it means to be Nigerian, and he told me to go and do something about it. I didn’t know what to do about it at that time, but it wasn’t until I came into this National Theatre and saw the beauty that it has been that I went away and I came back with a poem which I recently performed here in the National Theatre. And every time I come back in here it makes me feel the same.”
She then recited her poem:
“I’m Nigerian, I’m germane, I’m the main game in my vein.
I’m Nigerian, I’m humane, greatness runs through my vein. I’m the brilliance in brilliance and my achievements unfail.
I’m a Nobel laureate with literature to entertain.
I’m the train, the stain and the grain, I’m a giant.”
Boluwatife Enome
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