Sanusi II in attendance as Tinubu inaugurates renovated National Theatre renamed after Wole Soyinka
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made yet another appearance in Lagos in recent time but, this time, for no other reason than for the inauguration of the renovated National Arts Theatre, Orile Iganmu in Lagos State.
The DEFENDER reports that President Tinubu had last year renamed the National Theatre after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
The institution has, therefore, become officially known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. Thursday’s commissioning has been said to mark the official reopening of the iconic cultural landmark.
President Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m. on Wednesday October 1, 2025 for the reopening ceremony of the edifice, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.
The renovation of the Centre was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy provided policy direction and oversight, guiding the transformation of the facility into a national asset that is a launchpad for Nigeria’s creative industries.
The president had in July 2024 renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had said that the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts would not only be for arts, tourism, and culture but would also provide a venue for the international community to convene for conferences and enjoy world-class performances.
“This facility will serve as a premier destination, comparable to any world class conference center, with a unique infusion of arts and culture,” the governor had said during an inspection of the facility in August 2024.
The DEFENDER also reports that Emir of Kano Khalifah Dr Muhammadu Sanusi II and Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended the epoch making glittering event where President Tinubu was accompanied by his wife and first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other top government functionaries.
In the meantime, President Tinubu, in a post on his verified Facebook social media timeline post on Thursday October 2, spoke about reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.
He said, “Yesterday, on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, I was delighted to witness the rebirth of the National Arts Theatre, first built for FESTAC ’77, and now aptly renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
“Once neglected, it now stands restored through the vision of my predecessor, late President Muhammadu Buhari and the commitment of the Bankers’ Committee and CBN.
“By renaming it the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, we honour Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, whose fearless voice and lifelong service to justice and freedom inspire us all.
“This centre must never again fall into decay. It will serve as a hub for nurturing talent, promoting free expression, and powering Nigeria’s creative economy, ensuring that new generations of artists and thinkers bring glory to our nation.
“I thank the Bankers’ Committee for this successful partnership with government. Together, we celebrate Professor Soyinka and Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy.
“Thank you, Kongi.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. – PBAT”, said the post on Tinubu’s page.
