LAGOS, October 1, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that renaming the renovated National Theatre after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was a befitting way to honour the legacy of a man whose works have placed Nigeria on the global stage in the creative industry and human rights advocacy.

President Tinubu made this known on Wednesday at the official inauguration of the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The iconic edifice was originally built in 1976.

He expressed confidence that the rebirth of the theatre would help revive the promotion of arts, culture, and the creative economy in Nigeria.

In July 2024, President Tinubu renamed the theatre the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, who was also a guest of honour at the event.

“Uncle Wole Soyinka is one of the most talented and creative minds. I remember your contribution to our struggle, nation-building, and freedom. You are one of the world’s greatest assets. It could not have been anyone else, and I knew you would not disobey this President,” President Tinubu said.

 L-R: Prof. Wole Soyinka; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the commissioning of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. Wednesday, October 1, 2025

He further urged Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to refrain from speaking ill of the country, stressing that the nation is destined for greatness.

“This is a country of very proud people. We know what we are. It is about us believing in ourselves. From our parents, we inherited a nation of great, confident, and dedicated people. This country will succeed. Let us enjoy the glory. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first,” President Tinubu counselled.

The President commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee, which contributed N68 billion towards renovating the theatre.

He also tasked the CBN Governor to institute an endowment fund for its maintenance.

Tinubu further urged the managers of the theatre to create jobs, prevent the facility from degenerating as it had in the past, and preserve it as a living legacy in honour of Professor Soyinka.

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Prof. Wole Soyinka; Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the commissioning of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State lauded the Federal Government under both the Late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria, for reviving the theatre after years of neglect.

He added that the Lagos State Government also contributed to the renewal by providing additional land and constructing a railway station near the edifice to improve access.

“We gather not only to witness the commissioning of a renovated edifice, but to celebrate the rebirth of a national icon—the National Arts Theatre, now rightfully renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

“This landmark is more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of our nation’s creative soul. It stands as a reminder that culture is not an accessory to development; it is the foundation upon which identity, unity, and progress are built,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the commissioning as a turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and creative industry and a rebirth of the nation’s foremost cultural landmark.

“We are privileged to have a President who is intentional about establishing a Ministry dedicated solely to the creative industry. It has never been done in Nigeria’s history. We also have a President passionate about economic and financial empowerment,” Musawa stated.

Professor Wole Soyinka expressed gratitude to the President and the CBN for reviving the National Theatre, admitting that he never thought it could be salvaged given its state of decay during his last visit.

He explained that he initially had reservations about the theatre being named after him, having previously criticised the renaming of monuments after living leaders and prominent figures.

He, however, said President Tinubu made it impossible for him to reject the honour.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso noted that the renovated edifice now features world-class halls, exhibition spaces, cinema halls, and modern infrastructure.

He added that the project was inspired by the President’s vision to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and project its creative influence globally.

“It was also to honour Nigeria’s artistic heroes and emphasise the potential of the creative industry to drive economic growth and diversification,” Cardoso said.

The event which featured thrilling performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria and others, had the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among other distinguished personalities in attendance. GMTNewsng

 Training participants and some instructors. 

ENUGU, Sept. 13, 2025 (GMTNewsng) – The much-anticipated Face of Eastwing Competition 2025 Training Series has officially concluded, heightening expectations for the upcoming Southeast Aviation Summit in Enugu. Themed “Growing Dreams in Aviation Through Human Development,” this year’s summit promises to be a milestone event, blending youth innovation with industry leadership.

The training series, held in the buildup to the summit, sharpened participants’ soft skills in areas such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, with seasoned facilitators guiding the sessions. Organizers revealed that this year’s cohort demonstrated exceptional creativity and passion, setting a new benchmark for future editions.

Candidates were evaluated across key parameters including punctuality, problem-solving, attitude, and teamwork. By the end of the weeklong sessions, ten participants emerged as finalists. The top five will be unveiled during the Aviation Party Hangout on September 19 at Foodpolis, opposite the Fire Service, from 6 pm.

The grand finale will take place on September 20 at the Southeast Aviation Summit hosted at the Tekknopolis Event Centre, where the overall winner of the Face of Eastwing 2025 will be crowned. Certificates of participation and recognition will also be presented to candidates to honor their dedication throughout the programme.

In an exclusive chat with GMTNewsng, Chukwunosike Callistus Ozokolie, one of the finalists, described the programme as transformative. “This training exposed us to skills beyond the classroom. The teamwork sessions, in particular, taught me how to collaborate effectively and think fast in real-life aviation scenarios. I feel more prepared for the future,” he said.

Another participant, Chinemezu Elvira Okeke, expressed gratitude to the organizers for creating such a platform for young people. “I feel privileged to be part of this competition. The mentorship we received here is rare, and I believe it has prepared us not just for aviation but for leadership roles in society. Whoever emerges as the winner will truly be a worthy ambassador,” he noted.

The summit will also feature distinguished guests, with the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, confirmed as the Special Guest of Honour. His presence underscores the growing recognition of aviation as a catalyst for youth empowerment and regional development in the Southeast.

Organizers disclosed that several states within the Southeast and neighboring regions have already expressed interest in hosting the 2026 edition of the Aviation Summit, reflecting the event’s increasing influence and prestige. This development positions the Face of Eastwing competition as a leading youth-centered aviation initiative in Nigeria.

With the countdown underway, Enugu is set to host aviation stakeholders, industry experts, and youth innovators in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of talent and dreams. The Face of Eastwing 2025 grand finale is not just about crowning a winner; it is about inspiring the next generation to soar higher through human development and innovation. GMTNewsng

 Nigergas 

…Plant to create 5,000 jobs, produce 100 cubic metres of oxygen, 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour

…Nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide and CNG stations in the pipeline

…Dr. Uduji: “Mbah, Nehemiah of our time, rebuilding broken walls”

…Kanayo O. Kanayo: “Security is working in Enugu”

Enugu State, Nigeria – In a bold move to reindustrialize the South-East and position Enugu as a major hub in Africa’s energy and healthcare economy, Governor Peter Mbah on Thursday unveiled the newly revamped Nigergas Company Limited – a facility that had been abandoned for over three decades.

Governor Mbah revealed that the rebirth of Nigergas has already created direct employment for more than 100 skilled and semi-skilled workers and is projected to generate over 5,000 indirect jobs across distribution, transport, fabrication, and supply chains.

The company, originally established in 1962 during the premiership of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, is now central to Mbah’s ambitious plan to grow Enugu State’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

“What we have revived and unveiled today is not simply metal and a network of pipes; it is the restoration of purpose, dignity and productivity to a site that once symbolised Eastern Nigeria’s industrial promise.

“When we speak of the goal to grow our GDP from $4.4bn to $30bn, it is not mere posturing. It is rooted in the conviction that Enugu can become a truly diversified, self-reliant economy, if we muster the will to do things differently to launch us to the future we dream of,” Governor Mbah said.

Revamped for Global Standards

 HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers 

Mbah explained that Nigergas now operates under a modern rehabilitation model that combines public ownership with private-sector efficiency and performance discipline.

“The intention was clear: retain public ownership, but run the facility on modern, accountable, commercially viable lines.

So, today, Nigergas returns to production with modernised equipment and clear technical specifications designed to meet immediate healthcare and industry needs,” he stated.

The upgraded facility boasts an installed capacity of 100 cubic metres of oxygen per hour and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour, ensuring reliable supply for hospitals, welders, agro-processors, and manufacturers across Nigeria. Plans are also underway for the production of nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide, and CNG stations to further diversify output.

“Crucially, the plant will supply liquid oxygen, medical and industrial oxygen, and acetylene gas to our hospitals, welders, agro-processors and manufacturers, improving clinical outcomes and reducing production costs for businesses that are the backbone of local livelihoods,” Mbah emphasized.

Economic Transformation with Human Impact

Governor Mbah noted that beyond its industrial significance, the revival of Nigergas will strengthen healthcare systems, reduce the high cost of importing medical oxygen, and provide affordable industrial gases to small and medium-scale businesses.

“These improvements ripple outward: increased industrial activity strengthens our revenue base, and deepens opportunities for MSMEs,” he said.

He commended the Enugu State Investment Authority, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, engineering firm Ten Gas Development Ltd (INDEV GROUP division) and the Emene community leaders for their role in the revival.

Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo hailed Governor Mbah for restoring what decades of corruption and mismanagement had destroyed:

“Although the firm established by Dr. Okpara Administration in partnership with Siad Machine Impianti was abandoned for over three decades due to mismanagement, misappropriation of revenue, abuse of company resources, nepotism, and weak corporate governance, Governor Mbah has restored the lost dreams.”

Chief Chike Madueke, Managing Director of Ten Gas Development Ltd., added:

“The restored Nigergas will provide training and thousands of employments for the youths of the state.”

Voices of Commendation

The Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu; community leader and health consultant, Dr. Joy Uduji; Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Pastor Beloved Dan Anike; and businessman Engr. George Ndubeze Ugwu all praised Mbah’s foresight in bringing dead assets back to life.

Dr. Uduji captured the sentiment in biblical terms:

“You are the Nehemiah of our time. Like Nehemiah, who came and supervised the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, you have also come to rebuild Enugu State.”

Nollywood icon, Kanayo O. Kanayo, also highlighted a different but crucial aspect – the improving security in the state:

“It is not praise-singing, security is working here because when I come to make movies here, we usually stay out late into the night at Nike, and we are safe.”

Global Significance

With this milestone, Enugu joins the ranks of regions reviving industrial gas production for medical and industrial use, aligning with Africa’s push for self-sufficiency in healthcare and manufacturing inputs.

 Kanayo O Kanayo 

The new Nigergas plant positions Enugu not just as a Nigerian success story, but as a potential industrial gas hub for West Africa, supporting sustainable development, job creation, and regional trade integration. GMTNewsng