The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, reports ITREALMS.
In July 2024, President Tinubu renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, honouring the Nobel Laureate and Africa’s foremost literary figure.
The reopening is expected to draw a distinguished audience of state governors, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic community, industry leaders, cultural ambassadors, academics, and youth representatives.
In a joint statement, the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Ministry described the reopening as both a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural legacy and a launchpad for the creative economy. While the renovation was financed and delivered by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, the Ministry’s role in programming, policy, and stewardship will ensure the theatre operates as a true national asset and hub for creative innovation.
The ceremony will feature captivating performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria and other leading artists, as well as a special address by Professor Wole Soyinka.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso will deliver the welcome speech, while goodwill messages will come from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
The upgrades have transformed the theatre into a world-class performance venue. Major improvements include a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, enhanced fire and safety infrastructure, modernised electrical, water and sewage systems, state-of-the-art stage and lighting technology, seventeen passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of artworks that adorn the façade and interior spaces.
Speaking ahead of the event, CBN Governor Cardoso said the transformation of the theatre was not just a structural renovation but a renewal of Nigeria’s cultural identity, describing it as a testament to the nation’s resilience and spirit.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the renamed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts would serve as a premier venue not only for the arts but also for international conferences and performances.
Minister Musawa added that the project is both a gift to the nation and a milestone in efforts to protect cultural assets while unlocking new opportunities for the creative sector.
Originally conceived under the Yakubu Gowon administration and completed in 1976 during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Theatre famously hosted the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).
With its current transformation, the edifice is poised to once again take centre stage as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s cultural and creative renaissance.
The upgrades have transformed the theatre into a world-class performance venue. Major improvements include a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, enhanced fire and safety infrastructure, modernised electrical, water and sewage systems, state-of-the-art stage and lighting technology, seventeen passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of artworks that adorn the façade and interior spaces.
Speaking ahead of the event, CBN Governor Cardoso said the transformation of the theatre was not just a structural renovation but a renewal of Nigeria’s cultural identity, describing it as a testament to the nation’s resilience and spirit.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the renamed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts would serve as a premier venue not only for the arts but also for international conferences and performances.
Minister Musawa added that the project is both a gift to the nation and a milestone in efforts to protect cultural assets while unlocking new opportunities for the creative sector.
Originally conceived under the Yakubu Gowon administration and completed in 1976 during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Theatre famously hosted the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).
With its current transformation, the edifice is poised to once again take centre stage as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s cultural and creative renaissance.
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