President Bola Tinubu has renamed the National Theatre in Lagos in honor of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, who turned 90 on July 13. The announcement was made in a birthday message from the President, celebrating Soyinka’s profound influence on literature, scholarship, and activism.
Tinubu stated, “Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country.”
He continued, “I am, accordingly, delighted to have the honor to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.” This statement was released by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President lauded Soyinka as a repository of history, knowledge, and courage, commending his enduring efforts in advocating for democracy and battling corruption.
Tinubu described Soyinka as one of the finest minds of his generation, committed to human enlightenment while staunchly opposing injustice and oppression.
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Reflecting on their shared history, Tinubu noted, “Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanized opposition in exile through NALICON and NADECO. His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria.”
Soyinka is a globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, and documentarian.
He is also a foremost advocate of good governance and a fair and just society. In 1986, he became the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He has received numerous other awards, including the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature and the Europe Theatre Prize (Special Prize).
The National Theatre, initiated by General Yakubu Gowon’s regime and completed in 1976 by General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, was prepared for the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.
It has since become a major center for performing arts in Nigeria. This renaming follows President Tinubu’s recent honor of naming Arterial Road N20 in Abuja after Soyinka on June 4.
