Musawa celebrates Soyinka at 90, lauds renaming of national theatre
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, joined Nigerians and the global community in celebrating the 90th birthday of Nigeria’s literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka.
In a statement, Minister Musawa congratulated the Nobel Laureate, highlighting his immense contributions to literature and culture.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday. His contributions have profoundly impacted our nation and the world. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and we are honored to celebrate him today,” Musawa remarked.
She emphasized Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to excellence in literature, culture, and the arts. “Prof. Soyinka’s writings have inspired generations, and his advocacy for justice, equity, and human rights has left an indelible mark on our society. As we celebrate him, we honor his creativity and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our nation,” she added.
Reacting to the renaming of the National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. Musawa welcomed this change, expressing excitement over the renaming and the ongoing renovations at the theatre.
“This renaming bears testament to the enduring legacy of Professor Wole Soyinka. The National Theatre will continue to be an icon of creativity and a symbol of our rich cultural heritage,” she stated.
The National Theatre, currently undergoing extensive renovations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee, is being transformed into a world-class center of culture.
In her remarks, the General Manager of the National Theatre, Mrs. Adetola Akerele Alao, acknowledged the significant contributions of the CBN/Banker’s Committee. “The National Theatre has always been a cornerstone of Nigerian culture. Through engaging programming and transformation, we aim to revive its sense of awe and wonder,” Alao noted.
As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is committed to promoting cultural education and upgrading entertainment infrastructure. A proposed Media City, modeled after Dubai Media City, will offer state-of-the-art facilities for film production, conferences, and performances. Additionally, an animation hub is set to be established to support young talents and attract global animation studios.
The renovations at the National Theatre, which began three years ago, mark a pivotal chapter in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage. President Tinubu has designated October 1, 2024—Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary—as the date for the grand reopening.
The event will feature world-class performances and an exclusive showcase of the National Art Collection, celebrating the rebirth of a cultural landmark and the enduring spirit of Nigerian creativity and excellence.
