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‘No Honour Too Big’: Tinubu Dedicates National Theatre to Wole Soyinka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos, formally renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate.
Tinubu described the renaming as a fitting tribute to Professor Wole Soyinka, whom he hailed as a global icon of literature, human rights advocacy, and nation-building.
“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,” the President said.
The President expressed optimism that the restored theatre would revive Nigeria’s cultural heritage and boost the creative economy. He urged Nigerians to speak positively about the country, stressing that national unity and confidence were vital for growth.
“This country will succeed. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first,” Tinubu said.
Built in 1976, the National Theatre had fallen into disrepair before its renovation, funded with N68 billion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee. Tinubu commended CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso and called for an endowment fund to sustain the facility.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos praised the federal government’s commitment, noting that the state contributed land and transport infrastructure, including a nearby railway station, to enhance access. “This landmark is more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of our nation’s creative soul,” he said.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the commissioning as a “turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and creative destiny,” while CBN Governor Cardoso highlighted the world-class facilities added during the renovation.
Soyinka, visibly moved, thanked the President and the CBN, admitting he had once doubted the theatre could be salvaged. Though traditionally critical of renaming monuments after living figures, he said Tinubu left him with little room to decline the honour.
Dignitaries at the event included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, top lawmakers, governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Guests were entertained by performances from the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions.
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