National Theatre Renamed After Wole Soyinka
L-R: Remi Tinubu, Bola Tinubu, Wole Soyinka and Sanwo-olu
… says Soyinka deserves to be honoured for being an asset to Nigeria and the globe.
President Bola Tinubu has cautioned Nigerians to desist from speaking negatively about the country. He recently revealed that Nigeria is a nation of proud, confident, and dedicated people destined for success.
While speaking at the reopening of the renovated National Theatre, now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, which coincided with the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Tinubu shared that the landmark’s revival is proof that the nation can overcome problems and achieve greatness.
Professing that Nigeria will not fall while he is President, he urged citizens to learn to put the country first and believe in its potential to succeed.
“Let’s believe in Nigeria, let’s put this country first. If you have a bad dream, forget it—Nigeria will succeed. This is the giant of Africa; it won’t fall, it won’t disintegrate in my hands,” he said.
He further noted that the theatre’s rebirth will create jobs and expand opportunities in the creative economy.
Tinubu concluded by encouraging Nigerians to believe that the storm is over and prosperity is very close.
“The worst is over; we have turned the corner. With proper management, prosperity will come,” he added.
On why he renamed the National Theatre after Soyinka, the President noted that the decision had to happen because he is one of the most creative minds in the country.
He recalled Soyinka’s contribution to nation-building and freedom, emphasizing that he deserved to be honoured for being such an asset to Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, also hailed the Bankers’ Committee for championing the transformation of the National Arts Theatre, describing it as a landmark rebirth of Nigeria’s cultural pride.
He maintained that he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, warning against the indiscriminate naming of monuments after leaders.
Admitting that he once challenged a past ruler for dedicating a public space to a brutal dictator, he praised the Federal Government for turning the once-derelict complex into a world-class hub.
He then thanked President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State, and the Bankers’ Committee for the gesture, stressing that the revived theatre remains a stage for African creativity, unity, and global cultural expression.
