By Habeeb Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has honored Nigeria’s beloved literary giant, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday by renaming the National Theatre in Lagos as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
“I am delighted to have the honor to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts,” President Tinubu stated.
Professor Soyinka, a Nobel laureate and celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist, has been a beacon of hope and democracy in Nigeria, using his work to inspire generations and challenge injustice.
President Tinubu praised Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to good governance, human rights, and social justice, describing him as “one of the finest minds of his generation” and a “global force for change.”
The President recalled Soyinka’s instrumental role in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, particularly during the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Soyinka’s leadership and global stature helped galvanize opposition and inspire a new generation of writers, scholars, and activists.
“Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country,” President Tinubu said.
The full statement reads: “Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election. When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanized opposition in exile through NALICON and NADECO. His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria.
“Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country.
“I am, accordingly, delighted to have the honour to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts,” the President states.”
