Tinubu commissions renovated National Theatre, urges Nigerians to believe in country’s future

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his confidence in Nigeria’s future, declaring that the country is destined for greatness.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos—now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts—the President called on citizens to put the nation first and celebrate its strengths.

“This is a country of very proud people. We know what we are. It is about us believing in ourselves,” Tinubu said. “From our parents, we inherited a nation of great, confident, and dedicated people. This country will succeed. Let us enjoy the glory. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first.”

The renovation, estimated at ₦68 billion, was funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, with additional support from the Lagos State Government, which provided land and transport infrastructure to ease access to the complex.

Tinubu described the renaming of the edifice as a fitting tribute to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, praising him as “one of the world’s greatest assets” whose contributions to literature, human rights, and national development have earned Nigeria global respect.

Professor Soyinka, who attended the event, admitted he initially resisted the idea of having the theatre named after him but eventually accepted the honour after Tinubu insisted.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the reopening as “the rebirth of a national icon,” while the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the day as a turning point for Nigeria’s creative industry.

CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso noted that the renovated facility now features world-class halls, exhibition galleries, and cinemas, underscoring its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy.