The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in a joint statement with the Bankers’ Committee and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, said the reopening of the national edifice, which has been fully rehabilitated, is both a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and a launchpad for its creative industries.
The rehabilitation of the edifice, which started under the Buhari administration, was financed and executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their commitment to giving back to the nation.
The Theatre had been in depression since 1992, and various efforts in the past decades to rehabilitate it failed until the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN, the Bankers Committee driven by the late Herbert Wigwe, in consultation with the then Ministry of Information and Culture under Alhaji Lai Mohammed, took up the responsibility.
Originally constructed under the Yakubu Gowon military regime and completed in 1976 under General Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Theatre famously hosted FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. With this transformation, it now stands ready to host the next era of Nigeria’s cultural and creative renaissance.
Key improvements include a completely overhauled HVAC system, enhanced fire safety measures, new electrical, water, and sewage systems, advanced audio-video-lighting technology, world-class stage engineering, 17 new passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of historic artworks across the façade and interiors.
In July 2024, President Tinubu announced the renaming of the edifice as “Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts”. This was on the occasion of Africa’s first Nobel laureate’s 90th birthday to commemorate the anniversary, which was globally celebrated across continents.
The President will today lead a gathering of eminent citizens, including governors, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, academics, cultural ambassadors, and youth leaders
With welcome remarks by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso and goodwill messages from the host governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Professor Soyinka, poet, dramatist, essayist and civil/ human rights activist, is expected to give special remarks. The ceremony will also feature performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists.
Ahead of the inauguration, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso noted: “This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture. The transformation of this landmark into a world-class facility is a testament to the Nigerian spirit.”
Minister Hannatu Musawa described the project as “a gift to the nation and a source of pride. The successful renovation of the National Theatre marks a milestone in our collective effort to preserve cultural assets while creating new opportunities for the creative industry.