President Bola Tinubu has unveiled the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, marking the official reopening of the cultural landmark.
Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m. on Wednesday for the reopening ceremony of the edifice, which was renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.
The renovation of the Centre was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee. The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy provided policy direction and oversight, guiding the transformation of the facility into a national asset and a launchpad for Nigeria’s creative industries.The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier stated that the Centre would not only serve arts, tourism, and culture but also provide a venue for the international community to convene for conferences and enjoy 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 said during an inspection of the facility in August 2024.