Wole Soyinka explains acceptance of National Theatre renaming
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has explained why he accepted the renaming of the National Arts Theatre, Lagos, in his honour, despite his long-standing reservations about public monuments being appropriated.
Speaking on Wednesday at the reopening of the newly remodelled complex, now named the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Soyinka admitted he initially resisted the honour but eventually embraced it after witnessing the massive transformation of the facility.
“I never believed this monument could be revived. Before now, I thought it was irredeemable, but the Bankers’ Committee has made me eat my words,” he said, recalling the dilapidated state of the theatre where leaking roofs and exposed wires nearly caused accidents during productions.
He described the renovation as world-class, noting that it would now enable Nigerians to enjoy African theatre at home rather than travelling abroad.
The Bankers’ Committee, in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), invested about ₦68 billion in the project, which transformed the cultural landmark commissioned by President Bola Tinubu.
Among the dignitaries present at the reopening were First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi, and the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
