Sanwo-Olu lauds progress on refurbishment of former National Arts Theatre

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing refurbishment of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos. The Centre, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, is nearing completion and will soon be ready for public use.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made these remarks on Sunday during a tour of the theatre, accompanied by state officials and stakeholders. He revealed that the Centre, which will rival international cultural hubs, is expected to be completed within the next four months.

He commended the Bankers’ Committee and other stakeholders in the creative sector for their collaboration with the Lagos State Government in transforming the National Arts Theatre, restoring its former glory to meet global standards.

“I am truly excited by the work the Bankers’ Committee has done. They have shown us that when we put our minds to something as a nation, we can achieve remarkable results,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Four or five years ago, we were disheartened by the state of one of our national treasures, but today, we have witnessed its transformation into something even more magnificent. This Centre will now be a world-class venue for arts, tourism, culture, and international conferences.”

Sanwo-Olu highlighted the Centre’s role in positioning Lagos as a global destination for entertainment, creativity, and business, noting that it will be a “one-stop shop” for cultural and international events. He also pointed to the new Blue Line train infrastructure, which enhances the Centre’s accessibility and integration into Lagos’s broader urban landscape.

The Governor’s enthusiasm was echoed by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, who emphasized the Centre’s potential to become a leading tourist attraction and a catalyst for growth in the entertainment industry. He noted that the Centre would create job opportunities, especially for the youth, and contribute significantly to the rise of the creative industries in Lagos.

“The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts will be a beacon of cultural excellence and a source of pride for Lagosians,” Aregbe said. “Governor Sanwo-Olu is committed to ensuring that Lagos continues to rise as a hub for tourism, entertainment, and the creative arts.”