Tinubu to Inaugurate Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture in Lagos on Oct 1
By Patience Ikpeme
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to officially inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The historic edifice, which the President renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in July 2024, represents a major investment in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative future.
The monumental project was executed and financed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their commitment to giving back to the nation.
The President will lead a distinguished gathering including state governors, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, academics, and cultural ambassadors for the reopening.
In a joint statement, the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy stated that the theatre’s reopening serves as both a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and a launchpad for its creative industries.
While the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee financed the renovation, the Ministry’s partnership in policy alignment and stewardship is set to ensure the revitalized facility serves as a truly national asset.
Ahead of the inauguration, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, spoke about the significance of the project. “This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture. The transformation of this landmark into a world-class facility is a testament to the Nigerian spirit,” Cardoso noted.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu added that the facility’s utility would extend beyond the arts: “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only showcase arts, tourism, and culture, but will also serve as a world-class venue for global conferences and performances.”
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the project as a national treasure. “The successful renovation of the National Theatre marks a milestone in our collective effort to preserve cultural assets while creating new opportunities for the creative industry,” Musawa said.
Upgrades to the facility meet the highest global standards for theatre and performance. The improvements include a completely overhauled HVAC system, enhanced fire safety measures, new electrical, water, and sewage systems, and advanced audio-video-lighting technology. Other key features are world-class stage engineering, 17 new passenger lifts, integrated solar power, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of historic artworks across the façade and interiors.
The reopening ceremony will feature special remarks from **Prof. Wole Soyinka** himself, along with performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists. Governor Cardoso will deliver the welcome address, with goodwill messages from Governor Sanwo-Olu and Minister Musawa.
The National Theatre, originally constructed under the Yakubu Gowon military regime and completed in 1976 under General Olusegun Obasanjo, famously hosted FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. With this transformation, the facility now stands ready to host the next era of Nigeria’s cultural and creative renaissance.
