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
