Tinubu Names National Theatre After Wole Soyinka 

President Bola Tinubu has renamed the National Arts Theatre in Lagos after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka in honor of his 90th birthday. In a tribute titled “Professor Wole Soyinka at 90: Tribute to a National Treasure and Global Icon,” Tinubu praised Soyinka’s literary achievements and his dedication to human dignity and justice. He highlighted Soyinka’s survival of prostate cancer and his lifelong fight against oppression and injustice. The renamed theatre will be known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. Tinubu also reflected on Soyinka’s bravery during Nigeria’s civil war and their shared struggle for democracy. 

Celebrating a Milestone 

Tinubu expressed his joy in joining people worldwide to celebrate Soyinka. He highlighted that July 13 would mark the peak of local and international events held in Soyinka’s honor. Tinubu praised Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, for his remarkable literary achievements and his survival of prostate cancer, calling it a testament to Soyinka’s strength and the importance of his work. Tinubu announced, It is also fitting we celebrate this national treasure while he is still with us. I am, accordingly, delighted 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. 

A National and Global Icon 

Tinubu stated that Nigeria celebrates not only Soyinka’s literary success but also his commitment to human dignity and justice. He described Soyinka as a “colossus” and a “true renaissance person” with numerous talents, including being a playwright, actor, poet, human rights activist, composer, and singer. Tinubu emphasized that Soyinka’s influence goes beyond Nigeria, inspiring people worldwide through his unwavering stance against oppression and injustice.From his youth, Soyinka has been a vocal critic of oppression, from apartheid in South Africa to racism in the United States. Tinubu recalled Soyinka’s bravery during Nigeria’s civil war in 1967, where he took personal risks to broker peace. Despite being detained for two years, Soyinka’s resolve to fight for the marginalized grew stronger. Tinubu also mentioned their shared history during the struggle for democracy in Nigeria after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. 

President Bola Tinubu has renamed the National Arts Theatre in Lagos after Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, in celebration of his 90th birthday, honoring his literary achievements and lifelong dedication to justice and human dignity.

In renaming the National Theatre, Tinubu honors Soyinka’s extraordinary contributions to literature and human rights, celebrating a man whose impact extends far beyond Nigeria.