A New Dawn for Nigerian Arts: Tinubu Unveils Wole Soyinka Centre, Heralding Cultural Renaissance

An historic chapter as opened for Nigeria’s creative economy on Wednesday evening as President Bola Tinubu officially unveiled the meticulously renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, a monument previously known as the National Arts Theatre. The reopening marks the successful conclusion of a massive transformation project and the official launch of the newly named edifice, cementing its status as a vital hub for cultural diplomacy and artistic innovation. The President’s motorcade arrived at the imposing structure at approximately 6:24 p.m. for the highly anticipated ceremony.

The presidential arrival itself became a powerful symbol of Lagos’s dual progress in infrastructure and culture. An observer noted the striking juxtaposition as the Presidential motorcade rolled into the newly named Centre’s premises just as one of the state’s Blue Line transit trains traveled overhead. This simultaneous occurrence was hailed as a powerful visual testament to the holistic progress (cultural and infrastructural) currently sweeping across Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

The colossal task of renovating the iconic facility was an outstanding collaborative effort between the public and private sectors. The transformation of the asset was primarily funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Bankers’ Committee. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy provided crucial policy direction and oversight, guiding the project to ensure the facility was transformed into a world-class national asset designed to serve as a launchpad for Nigeria’s burgeoning creative industries.

The structure’s new identity, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, was instituted by President Tinubu in July 2024 to honour the nation’s Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. This renaming is viewed by many as a powerful endorsement of the arts and a tribute to one of Africa’s literary giants, positioning the centre at the vanguard of promoting indigenous culture globally.

Speaking to the future potential of the magnificent structure, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the facility’s expanded mandate. Governor Sanwo-Olu, who had inspected the facility in August 2024, emphasized that the Centre would transcend traditional roles in arts, tourism, and culture. He stated that the refurbished edifice is poised to become an international gathering spot, offering a venue for the global community to convene for major conferences, alongside enjoying world-class performances. “This facility will serve as a premier destination, comparable to any world class conference center, with a unique infusion of arts and culture,” the governor affirmed, underscoring the Centre’s potential to significantly boost the state’s economy and creative reputation. The unveiling ceremony concludes a period of intense work and planning, signaling the start of a new, ambitious era for Nigerian arts on the world stage.

The Presidential motorcade rolls into Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts while a blue line transit trains travels over it. A testament to the progress that is Lagos. Kudos to Governor @jidesanwoolu. pic.twitter.com/2FqCNMc0Sa

— Daddy D.O🇳🇬 (@DOlusegun) October 1, 2025