Tinubu commissions renewed the National Theater Lagos, named after Wole Soyinka

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that the renewal of the national theater renewed after Professor Wole Soyinka of the Nobel Prize was an appropriate way to honor the legacy of a man in many parts, whose works permanently put Nigeria permanently on the global phase in terms of creative industry and defender of human rights.

President Tinubu said this Wednesday at the official inauguration of the National Arts Theater recently renewed, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of the events that commemorate the 65th anniversary of Nigeria. The building was built in 1976.

He expressed his belief that the rebirth of the theater will revive the promotion of the arts, culture and creative economy in Nigeria.

In July 2024, President Tinubu renamed the Wole Soyink Center for Culture and the Creative Arts theater in honor of the Nobel Prize in Nigeria, a guest of honor for the event.

“Uncle Wole Soyinka is one of the most talented and creative minds. I remember your contribution to our struggle, construction of the nation and freedom. You are one of the greatest goods in the world. It could not have been anyone else, and I knew you would not have disobeyed this president,” said President Tinubu.

He reiterated his call to the Nigerians, both inside and outside the country, to refrain from speaking badly of the country, since the nation is intended for size.

“This is a country of very proud people. We know what we are. It is about ourselves believing in ourselves. From our parents, we inherited a nation of great people, confident and dedicated. This country will be successful. Leave us enjoy the glory. Raise Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. You put Nigeria first,” said President Tinubu.

The president praised the governor of the State of Lagos, the Governor of the CBN, Yemi Cardoso and the Bank’s Committee, who contributed to renewing N68 billion.

President Tinubu also asked Cardoso to establish a supplied fund for his maintenance.

President Tinubu urged the managers of the building to create jobs, prevent him from degenerating as in the past and preserving him in honor of Professor Soyinka’s inheritance.

The Governor of the State of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Oell, praised the efforts of the federal government, under the deceased president Muhammadu Buhari and now President Tinubu, as well as the central bank of Nigeria, for having revived the theater after many years of abandonment.

He said that the government of the state of Lagos also contributed to the renewal making more land available and providing a railway station near the building to facilitate access.

“We meet not only to attend the commissioning of a renewed building, but to celebrate the rebirth of a national icon: the National Arts Theater, now rightly renamed the Wole Soyink Center for Culture and Creative Arts.

“This point of reference is more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of the creative soul of our nation. It is a reminder that culture is not an accessory for development; it is the basis on which identity, unity and progress are built,” he said.

The Minister of the Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the day as a turning point for the cultural and creative fate of Nigeria and a rebirth of the cultural reference point.

“We have the privilege of having an intentional president to establish a ministry dedicated exclusively to the creative industry. It has never been made in the history of Nigeria. We also have a president passionate about economic and financial empowerment,” he said.

Professor Wole Soyinka expressed his appreciation for the President and the CBN for reviving the theater, admitting that he never believed that he could be recovered, given the level of degeneration he had observed during his last visit.

He said he had reservations about accepting that the monument took his name from him, given his criticisms of renouncing the monuments after living leaders and important people.

He said that President Tinubu made him impossible to refuse honor.
The Governor of the CBN, Cardoso Olaymi, said that the renewed building has world -class rooms, exhibition galleries, cinemas and modernized infrastructures.

He said that the renewal was inspired by the President’s vision and aimed to preserve the Nigeria’s heritage and project his influence globally.

“It was also to honor the artistic heroes of Nigeria and underline the potential of the creative industry to guide growth and economic diversification,” said the Governor of the CBN.

The distinct personalities at the event included the president’s wife, Senator Oltemi Tinubu, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, president Tajudeen Abbas, vice-president of the Senate Barau Jibrin, vice-president Ben Kalu, senators, members of Lagos, senators, members, members of Dr. Sanwo-Ola, ministers, head of the president’s staff, Gbajabiamilaila, traditional sovereigns and other high government officials.

The opportunity witnessed the performances of the National Troupe of Nigeria, The Gerald Eze Ensemble, Mudart House Company and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions.