Tinubu Appoints Holloway to Lead Revitalized National Theatre
By Patience Ikpeme
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Disun Holloway as the Chairman of Theatre Partners, the body tasked with managing and revitalizing the National Theatre in Lagos, which has been renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
Holloway, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, brings a wealth of experience in culture and the creative economy to the role. He is known for his leadership in promoting initiatives that connect cultural preservation with economic growth.
The National Theatre recently underwent a significant renovation funded by the Bankers’ Committee and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria, with an investment of N68 billion. Originally slated for nine months, the refurbishment spanned six years due to the complexity of the work and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The result is a transformed venue ready to serve as a major center for performing arts, cultural exchange, and creative enterprise.
As Chairman, Holloway will lead efforts to ensure the sustainable management of the Theatre. He will collaborate with government bodies, private sector partners, and stakeholders in the creative industries to maximize its potential.
His role is crucial in seeing that the National Theatre fulfills its promise as a hub for artistic innovation and contributes to economic development through the creative sector.
This appointment signals Nigeria’s renewed dedication to cultural renaissance and recognizes the power of arts and culture to drive inclusive growth. Holloway’s extensive background in tourism and culture, combined with the Theatre’s transformation, positions the institution to become a landmark of national pride and a significant destination for international cultural engagement.
The leadership change at the National Theatre represents a strategic move to utilize Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as a catalyst for economic and social advancement, with Disun Holloway at the forefront to guide this vision into reality.
