President Bola Tinubu has officially renamed the National Theatre in Lagos in honor of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, in celebration of his 90th birthday on July 13.
In a heartfelt birthday message, Tinubu acknowledged Soyinka’s profound influence on writers, scholars, and activists.
“Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country,” Tinubu remarked.
He further announced, “I am, accordingly, delighted to have the honour to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.”
Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, released a statement in which the President praised Soyinka as a living repository of history, knowledge, and courage.
Tinubu commended Soyinka for his efforts as a pro-democracy champion and a vocal critic of corruption and maladministration.
Describing Soyinka as one of the finest minds of his generation, Tinubu highlighted their shared history during Nigeria’s struggle for democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election. When faced with a trial in absentia and 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,” Tinubu stated.
Wole Soyinka is an acclaimed playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, and documentarian.
He has long been an advocate for good governance and a just society. In 1986, he became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
His accolades also 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 during General Yakubu Gowon’s regime and completed by General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976, has served as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s performing arts.
The renaming comes a month after President Tinubu honored Soyinka by naming the Arterial Road N20 in Abuja after him. The road, running from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), was inaugurated by Tinubu on June 4.
