President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night reaffirmed his commitment to keeping Nigeria united and steering the nation toward becoming a strong and vibrant economy. He urged citizens to stop projecting negativity about the country and instead work together to build a positive national image.
The president made the remarks at the inauguration of the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos—now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.
The renovation, executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee in partnership with the Lagos State and Federal Governments, was transformed into a symbol of cultural renaissance under Tinubu’s directive.
Tinubu recalled the glory days of the theatre as a hub for projecting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, including hosting the historic FESTAC ’77, and called for the establishment of an endowment fund to sustain the facility. He pledged personal contribution to the initiative.
He praised Soyinka as “one of the most talented and creative minds” whose lifelong contributions to freedom and nation-building merited the honour of having the iconic monument bear his name.
The president commended the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, Lagos State, and other stakeholders for their role in actualising the N68 billion project, describing the event as a double celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and cultural rebirth.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, hailed Tinubu’s foresight, noting that the president transformed the project from a mere restoration effort into a “symbol of national renewal.” He said Nigeria’s creative industries, if fully harnessed, could generate billions in annual revenue and create millions of jobs while serving as a source of national pride.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the complex as “the heartbeat of the nation’s cultural identity,” recalling how it united the world during FESTAC ’77. He thanked Tinubu for his leadership and highlighted the state’s contributions, including new infrastructure such as the Blue Line Metro station serving the theatre.