By Charles Pemu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially commissioned the newly renovated and renamed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre.
The commissioning ceremony, which coincided with the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, marked the dramatic rebirth of the iconic cultural landmark after four years of extensive, private sector-funded renovation.
The President, who had renamed the edifice in July 2024 to honor Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, described the restored structure as a renewed symbol of Nigeria’s rich culture and creativity.
“This landmark, restored to its pride of place, stands as a renewed symbol of our nation’s culture and creativity,” President Tinubu said. “I am happy to witness its rebirth and the promise it holds for the arts, tourism, and our future generations.”
The multi-billion Naira renovation was executed and fully funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee, demonstrating a powerful public-private collaboration. The Centre now features world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, art galleries, an African literature library, and modern infrastructure, including integration with the Lagos Blue Line rail system.
During the event, President Tinubu urged the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and other stakeholders to establish an endowment fund dedicated to the long-term maintenance and sustainability of the facility, pledging his personal contribution. He emphasized that the venue must be preserved to create jobs and serve as a beacon for the creative economy.
The reopening featured a blend of cultural showcases, including performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists, symbolizing the center’s return to life as the heartbeat of the nation’s creative soul
