President Bola Tinubu has unveiled the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos…
Speaking at the reopening of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos on Wednesday, the President urged citizens to stop speaking negatively about the country and instead embrace hope and confidence in its future.
Tinubu Unveils Wole Soyinka Centre, Pledges Unity
Tinubu arrived at the venue around 6:24 p.m. for the ceremony, which marked the transformation of the former National Arts Theatre into a modern hub for culture and creativity.
The President had in July 2024 renamed the iconic structure after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. The project was spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, with policy guidance from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
Tinubu praised Soyinka as a global asset whose courage, intellect, and contributions to nation-building inspired the honour.
“It couldn’t have been anything else. I said it has to be the Wole Soyinka Centre,” the President noted.
Tinubu Urges Hope and Confidence
Reiterating his message of economic recovery, Tinubu declared that Nigeria has turned a corner.
“The worst is over; the economy has recovered. Prosperity will come. Believe in yourself and give hope to others,” he said.
“This is the giant of Africa. It will not collapse, and it will not disintegrate in my hands.”
He further appealed to citizens at home and abroad to speak positively about the nation.
“Stop talking about Nigeria in negative tones. This is a proud country of great people. Let’s build it together, believe in Nigeria, and put the nation first.”
Centre as a Cultural Rebirth
CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso described the renovated centre as more than a facelift but “a rebirth.” He explained that its signature silhouette was preserved while world-class facilities were added, including performance halls, cinemas, exhibition galleries, rehearsal rooms, and upgraded infrastructure.
The grounds now feature gardens, outdoor spaces, and a seamless link to the Lagos Blue Line rail, making culture central to urban life.
Cardoso highlighted the Bankers’ Committee’s ₦68 billion investment as a deliberate contribution to Nigeria’s cultural future.
“This project proves that when the public and private sectors unite, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve,” he stated.
Soyinka’s Response
In his remarks, Professor Soyinka expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“I want to thank all those involved, including your president, who is a master conspirator. This building represents the commitment of many others. With this rebirth, my hope is that we no longer have to go abroad to witness African theatre,” he said.
