By Ademuyiwa Balikis
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, officially commissioned the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
The President described the honour as a fitting tribute to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, noting that his works in literature, theatre, and human rights have placed Nigeria on the global stage.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that the rebirth of the theatre would help revive arts, culture, and Nigeria’s creative economy. The President also urged Nigerians at home and abroad to speak positively about the country, insisting that Nigeria is destined for greatness.
The N68 billion renovation of the theatre, originally built in 1976, was funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, with additional support from the Lagos State Government. President Tinubu commended CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their roles in the renewal project. He further called on Cardoso to establish an endowment fund to ensure the structure’s long-term maintenance.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the commissioning as the rebirth of a national icon. “This landmark is more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of our nation’s creative soul,” he said, noting that Lagos contributed land and a new railway station to support the project.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, called the event a turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and creative destiny, praising the President for creating a ministry dedicated to the industry.
In his remarks, Soyinka expressed surprise at the theatre’s revival, admitting he once doubted it could be saved from its state of neglect. Although he had reservations about monuments being named after living individuals, he said President Tinubu left him with no choice but to accept the honour.
Cardoso, the CBN governor, said the renovated facility now features world-class halls, exhibition galleries, cinema halls and modern infrastructure designed to preserve Nigeria’s heritage and showcase its creative industry globally.
Dignitaries at the event included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, ministers, and top government officials.
The ceremony also featured performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions.
