SCM Staff Writer I Thursday, October 02, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria—In a major nod to Nigeria’s literary and artistic giant, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially commissioned the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos, simultaneously renaming the iconic structure the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
The commissioning ceremony, held on October 1, 2025, celebrated the rebirth of the 1976-era edifice after years of neglect, now transformed into a world-class hub for the arts.
President Tinubu described the gesture as a fitting tribute to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, whose work in literature, the creative industry, and human rights advocacy has permanently placed Nigeria on the global stage.
“Uncle Wole Soyinka is one of the most talented and creative minds,” President Tinubu stated at the event. “It could not have been anyone else, and I knew you would not disobey this President.”
The President expressed his hope that the reborn theatre would revive the promotion of arts, culture, and Nigeria’s creative economy.
Soyinka’s Initial Reservations
Professor Soyinka, the guest of honor, acknowledged his initial reluctance to accept the honor, referencing his long-standing criticism of naming monuments after living figures. However, he admitted that President Tinubu’s personal appeal made it “impossible for him to reject the honour.”
He also expressed surprise and appreciation for the successful salvage of the monument, stating he had doubted its restoration was possible given the level of deterioration he had witnessed during his last visit.
A $68 Billion Revival
The massive renovation, funded largely by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee with a contribution of $68 billion, has transformed the center.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso detailed that the renovated edifice now boasts world-class halls, exhibition galleries, cinema halls, and modernized infrastructure.
He noted that the project was inspired by the President’s vision to preserve Nigeria’s heritage and project its influence globally, while also emphasizing the potential of the creative industry to drive economic growth and diversification.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the federal government and the CBN for their efforts, stating the center is “more than concrete and steel; it is the heartbeat of our nation’s creative soul.”
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, hailed the day as a “turning point for Nigeria’s cultural and creative destiny,” underscoring the President’s commitment with the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for the creative industry.
The President urged the new management to ensure the center remains a hub for job creation and is diligently maintained, calling on the CBN Governor to institute an endowment fund for its upkeep, thereby preserving Professor Soyinka’s legacy.
The grand commissioning featured performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions, heralding a new era for Nigerian arts and culture. The event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top government officials.
