President Bola Tinubu has renamed the National Theatre in Lagos in honor of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. This announcement was made in a birthday message to Soyinka, who turns 90 on July 13.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists inspired by his work. I honor him for sparking the fight against military dictatorships in our country,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu further expressed his delight in announcing that the Federal Government has decided to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. This statement was released by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President praised Soyinka as one of Nigeria’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage. He commended Soyinka for his valiant efforts in advocating for democracy and his consistent opposition to corruption and maladministration over several decades.
Tinubu Describes Professor Soyinka as One of the Finest Minds
President Bola Tinubu has described Professor Wole Soyinka as one of the finest minds of his generation. He praised Soyinka for adhering to the highest standards of human enlightenment while being steadfast against injustice, oppression, and base impulses.
Reflecting on his relationship with the Nobel Laureate, Tinubu said, “Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
“When faced with a trial in absentia and a death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanized opposition in exile through NALICON and NADECO. His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria.”
Professor Soyinka: A Globally Celebrated Playwright
Professor Wole Soyinka is a globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, and documentarian. He is also a foremost advocate of good governance and a fair and just society.
In 1986, Soyinka became the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. His accolades include the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature, the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Europe Theatre Prize for Special Prize.
The National Theatre, initiated by General Yakubu Gowon’s regime and completed in 1976 by General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime in preparation for the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), has since become a major center for the performing arts in Nigeria. The renaming of the National Theatre in honor of Soyinka comes just a month after President Tinubu named the Arterial Road N20 in Abuja after the Nobel Laureate.
