Tinubu commissions renovated national theatre, says no honour too big for Soyinka

Tinubu

By JAMIU JAMODU

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that renaming the renovated National Theatre after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was a fitting way to honour the legacy of a man of many parts, whose works have permanently put Nigeria on the global stage in terms of the creative industry and human rights advocacy.

President Tinubu said this on Wednesday at the official inauguration of the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of events commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The edifice was built in 1976.

He expressed his belief that the rebirth of the theatre will revive the promotion of arts, culture, and the creative economy in Nigeria.

In July 2024, President Tinubu renamed the theatre the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, a guest of honour at the event.

“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, and I knew you would not disobey this President,” President Tinubu said.

He reiterated his call on Nigerians, both within and outside the country, to refrain from speaking ill of the country, as the nation is destined for greatness.

“This is a country of very proud people. We know what we are. It is about us believing in ourselves. From our parents, we inherited a nation of great, confident, and dedicated people. This country will succeed. Let us enjoy the glory. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first,” President Tinubu counselled.