In a grand gesture, President Bola Tinubu has renamed the iconic National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
This move comes as a tribute to the literary legend’s 90th birthday on July 13, 2024.
Wole Soyinka, a Nobel laureate and celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, and advocate for good governance, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and beyond. His numerous awards and accolades, including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, attest to his remarkable contributions.
According to President Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President hailed Soyinka as one of the finest minds of his generation, unwavering in his commitment to justice and human enlightenment. Tinubu praised Soyinka’s tireless efforts in promoting democracy and combating corruption, solidifying his place as a living repository of history, knowledge, and courage in Nigeria.
The renaming of the National Theatre as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts is a fitting tribute to a man whose impact transcends borders. President Tinubu’s gesture honors Soyinka’s legacy and ensures his contributions to the arts and society will continue to inspire generations to come.