President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday unveiled the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Lagos, renaming it the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and the Arts in honour of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
The event, which coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations, was aired live on Arise Television on Wednesday from 3:46, October 1, 2025 and attended by top government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the public.
In his address, Tinubu paid tribute to Soyinka’s global contributions to literature, nation-building, and freedom struggles. “Yes, it’s a wonderful evening. First lady, my wife, a daughter of the freedom that we are enjoying and my own jewel of inestimable value. I say happy birthday once again,” the President began, also extending birthday wishes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. “To the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, today happens to be your birthday too. We celebrate you. You will live long, better than this theatre. Thank you very much,” Tinubu said.
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He further acknowledged the presence of the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, and Deputy Speaker. “We’ve been all together in Owerri yesterday and here today. Thanks our dear uncle and leader, one of the most talented and creative mind. Uncle Wole Soyinka. No conspiracy anywhere. I did it,” the President declared.
Recalling the decision that led to the renaming, Tinubu said: “When they brought the question of renovation to my desk, I remember the journeys that we had together and the gains that I shared with you. Your contribution to our courage, nation building, freedom. Yes, in some cases, unrewarded talents is a proverb. But you are a jewel, our talent. Whether a proverb of being, you are one of the greatest assets of the world, the continent and the country, Nigeria. So it couldn’t have been anything else.”
He added with a note of humour: “And I know definitely you will not disobey this president. So I say it has to be Wole Soyinka Center. They corrected my English, but culture and rename it and I’m glad we are here.”
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the cultural groups, the Ministry of Culture, and Lagos State for their contributions to the project.“Members of the cultural group, the ministry, the Lagos State, I’m more than grateful for tonight. I’ve enjoyed the evening. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. These have broken the monotony of military marching past parade and everything. So by scheduling this program, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast, and wait for this evening. And today is still an evening well spent,” he concluded.