The National Arts Theatre, “first built for FESTAC ’77”, is now “aptly” named the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts; it was renamed in 2024 by President Tinubu.
On Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the edifice, which was “once neglected”, and now “stands restored” through the “vision” of Late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The President said, the renaming of the monument, which is located in Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos, was done to “honour” Prof. Woke Soyinka, whose “fearless voice and lifelong service to justice and freedom” brings inspiration to everyone.
Taking to X, President Tinubu said: “On Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, I was delighted to witness the rebirth of the National Arts Theatre now aptly named the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture andCreative Arts, first built for FESTAC ’77.
“Once neglected, it now stands restoredthrough the vision of my predecessor, the Late President Muhammadu Buhari, and the commitment of the Bankers’ Committee and CBN.
“By renaming it the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, we honour Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, whose fearless voice and lifelong service to justice and freedom inspire us all.”
President Tinubu urged, the Centre must never be allowed to “fall into decay” again, saying, it will now serve as a spot for “nurturing talent, promoting free expression”.
The President expressed gratitude to the Bankers’ Committee for the “successful” collaboration with the government.
President Tinubu said: “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.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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Photos: X/Bola Ahmed Tinubu
