By Adenike Lawal
President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday emphasized national unity and cultural pride as central to Nigeria’s growth during the grand reopening of the refurbished National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
Tinubu reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s indivisibility, pledging that under his leadership the country would evolve into a thriving, inclusive economy.
He urged citizens to embrace optimism and protect the nation’s image.
The reopening marked the formal inauguration of the renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate.
The president announced the renaming in July 2024 as a tribute to Soyinka’s lifelong contributions to freedom, culture, and nation-building.
The multi-billion-naira renovation was delivered through a collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bankers’ Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government.
The transformation aims to position the once-neglected monument as a modern cultural hub and catalyst for Nigeria’s creative economy.
Reflecting on the theatre’s history, Tinubu recalled its role as the centrepiece of FESTAC ’77, describing its restoration as a cultural renaissance rather than just an infrastructural upgrade.
He proposed the establishment of an endowment fund for its sustainability and pledged personal support.
Highlighting the reopening’s coincidence with Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the president described the event as “a convergence of culture, history, and national pride.”
He commended CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, the Bankers’ Committee, and other stakeholders for their commitment.
Cardoso revealed that the project began in 2020 and attracted ₦68 billion in funding from the Bankers’ Committee alone.
He praised Tinubu for expanding the restoration into a broader vision for cultural and economic renewal.
“This centre is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a declaration that Nigeria’s stories, talent, and heritage deserve global recognition,” he said, stressing the creative sector’s potential to generate billions in revenue and millions of jobs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed these sentiments, describing the theatre as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s culture.
He recalled the spirit of unity during FESTAC ’77 and noted that such cultural energy must now drive national development.
He also highlighted Lagos State’s infrastructural support, including a dedicated Blue Line Metro station at the theatre complex.
As the curtains rise again on the National Theatre, its rebirth stands as both a cultural milestone and a declaration of Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
