Wole Soyinka Gets His Stage as Tinubu Revives National Theatre

Wole Soyinka Gets His Stage as Tinubu Revives National Theatre

By Abiola Adigun
Albarka 89.9 FM

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, declaring that renaming the cultural landmark after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was a fitting honour for a man whose works have projected Nigeria globally.
The event, held as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, marked the official rebirth of the theatre, first built in 1976 but long abandoned until its recent N68 billion facelift spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee.
In July 2024, President Tinubu had approved the renaming of the edifice as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. At Wednesday’s ceremony, he described Soyinka as “one of the world’s greatest assets,” recalling his role in the nation’s democratic struggle and human rights advocacy.
“Uncle Wole Soyinka is one of the most talented and creative minds. This honour could not have gone to anyone else,” the President said. He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to “believe in Nigeria” and refrain from speaking ill of the country, stressing that “this country will succeed.”
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lauded the federal government, the CBN, and the Bankers’ Committee for reviving the structure, describing the project as the rebirth of “a national icon and the heartbeat of Nigeria’s creative soul.” He noted Lagos supported the renewal by releasing more land and ensuring railway access to the site.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the commissioning marked a turning point in Nigeria’s cultural journey, while CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso said the renovated complex now features world-class halls, exhibition spaces, cinemas and galleries.
Professor Soyinka, who was present, admitted he had once believed the theatre had deteriorated beyond repair and expressed mixed feelings about accepting the renaming, given his past criticisms of such gestures. “But President Tinubu made it impossible for me to reject this honour,” he said.
Distinguished guests included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and members of the creative community. The event also featured performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions.
The renovated theatre is expected to serve as a hub for Nigeria’s creative economy, generating jobs and projecting the nation’s cultural influence globally.
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