Table of Contents
- Honor for Professor Wole Soyinka
- Rebirth of the Theatre
- President's Remarks
- Funding and Support
- Cultural Significance
- Event Attendance
President Bola Tinubu has referred to the renaming of the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka as a deserving tribute to a global icon whose contributions have significantly advanced Nigeria’s creative industry and human rights advocacy.
During the commissioning on Wednesday, Tinubu stated that the revival of the theatre would bolster the promotion of arts, culture, and the creative economy in Nigeria.
This information was shared in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
In July 2024, the President officially renamed the theatre the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, honoring Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, who was a distinguished guest at the ceremony.
He recalled that in July 2024, the Federal Government had renamed the structure the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts to acknowledge the laureate’s significant contributions to literature, freedom, and nation-building.
“Uncle Wole Soyinka is among the most gifted and creative individuals. Your contributions to our struggles, nation-building, and freedom make you one of the world’s greatest assets. It could not have been anyone else,” Tinubu remarked.
The President encouraged Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to speak positively about the nation, emphasizing that Nigeria is destined for greatness.
He also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Yemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee for mobilizing N68 billion to finance the renovation, while urging Cardoso to establish an endowment fund for the theatre’s upkeep.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Government and the CBN for revitalizing the cultural landmark after years of neglect, noting that Lagos also contributed to the project by providing land and a railway station to enhance access.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, declared the day a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s cultural and creative sector, while Soyinka expressed gratitude to Tinubu and the CBN.
Soyinka admitted he had never imagined the theatre could be restored.
He acknowledged his initial hesitations about monuments being named after living individuals but stated that the President made it impossible for him to decline the honor.
CBN Governor Cardoso mentioned that the facility now features world-class halls, galleries, cinemas, and modern infrastructure, aimed at preserving Nigeria’s heritage and showcasing the creative industry’s potential for economic development.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by prominent government officials, lawmakers, governors, traditional rulers, and dignitaries, with performances from the National Troupe of Nigeria, Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the National Theatre renamed after Wole Soyinka?
The National Theatre was renamed to honor Professor Wole Soyinka for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s creative industry and human rights advocacy.
What improvements have been made to the National Theatre?
The renovations have introduced world-class halls, galleries, cinemas, and modern infrastructure designed to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and enhance the creative industry.
Who attended the commissioning ceremony?
The event was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, governors, traditional rulers, and various dignitaries.
