President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the refurbished Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, Lagos.
The President unveiled the renewed facility on Wednesday evening, a year after renaming it in honour of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.
The historic building, originally opened in 1977 for FESTAC ’77, had long suffered neglect before undergoing a comprehensive facelift funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee.
The renovation, estimated at $100 million, included new lifts, solar power systems, fire safety installations, improved audiovisual and stage equipment and restoration of artworks.
Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa had earlier said the project was “a gift to the nation and a source of renewed pride,” while CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso described the edifice as “a representation of our history and culture.”
Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the centre would serve as both a cultural hub and an international conference venue, comparable to “any world-class facility infused with arts and culture.”
Those in attendance included Soyinka himself, Musawa, Sanwo-Olu, CBN officials and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The CBN, Bankers’ Committee and the Ministry in a joint statement said the reopening was both a tribute to Nigeria’s cultural past and a springboard for its creative industries.
