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By Daniel Adaji
President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday, inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The project, executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, represents a major investment in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative future. In July 2024, Tinubu renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.
According to the organisers, the President will lead a distinguished audience of state governors, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, industry leaders, academics, cultural ambassadors, and youth representatives. The event will feature performances by the National Troupe and other top artists, with special remarks from Prof. Wole Soyinka.
A joint statement from the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy described the reopening as both “a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and a launchpad for its creative industries.”
While financing and delivery came from the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, the Ministry provided policy alignment and programming to ensure the theatre serves as a national asset.
The ceremony will also include a welcome address by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, with goodwill messages from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
The refurbished theatre now meets global standards for performance venues. Key upgrades include a modern HVAC system, enhanced fire safety, new electrical, water, and sewage systems, advanced audio-visual technology, world-class stage engineering, 17 new passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors, and restored historic artworks.
Ahead of the reopening, Cardoso said: “This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture. The transformation of this landmark into a world-class facility is a testament to the Nigerian spirit.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated: “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only showcase arts, tourism, and culture, but will also serve as a world-class venue for global conferences and performances.”
Minister Musawa described the project as “a gift to the nation and a source of pride. The successful renovation of the National Theatre marks a milestone in our collective effort to preserve cultural assets while creating new opportunities for the creative industry.”
Built during the Yakubu Gowon military regime and completed under General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976, the National Theatre hosted FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. Nearly five decades later, the renovated complex is set to anchor Nigeria’s next cultural and creative renaissance.