Tinubu Inaugurates Renovated National Theatre, Renames It Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the rebirth of the National Arts Theatre will serve as a springboard for promoting arts, culture, and the creative economy in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday at the official inauguration of the newly renovated edifice in Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the president described the landmark as a symbol of national pride and cultural identity. Built in 1976, the facility has now been renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate.
Tinubu commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee for committing N68 billion to the renovation. He urged the establishment of an endowment fund to ensure its sustainable maintenance and charged the managers of the theatre to generate jobs and preserve the legacy of Soyinka.
The president also called on Nigerians to promote unity and patriotism by refraining from negative commentary about the country, stressing that the nation is destined for greatness.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State hailed the project as a revival of a national icon, noting the state’s contribution of land and a railway station to ease access to the theatre. He described the landmark as a cultural heartbeat that strengthens national identity and development.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the inauguration marked a turning point for Nigeria’s creative industry, highlighting Tinubu’s establishment of a dedicated ministry for the sector as unprecedented.
In his remarks, Professor Wole Soyinka expressed gratitude to the president and the CBN for reviving the theatre, admitting he once doubted it could be salvaged given its dilapidated state. While initially reluctant to accept the renaming, he said Tinubu’s insistence left him no choice but to embrace the honour.
Cardoso explained that the upgraded facility now features world-class exhibition galleries, cinema halls, modernised infrastructure, and performance spaces designed to showcase Nigeria’s heritage and boost its global cultural influence.
The inauguration, attended by dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, traditional rulers, and senior government officials, featured performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Gerald Eze Ensemble, MudArt House Company, and Bolade Austen-Peters Productions.
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