President Bola Tinubu will inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced this in a statement on Monday, noting that the renovation was undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their investment in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative economy.
Tinubu will lead a high-profile gathering that includes state governors, National Assembly members, diplomats, business leaders, academics, cultural ambassadors, and youth representatives. The event will feature performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists, as well as special remarks from Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
The statement added that while the renovation was financed and delivered by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy partnered in programming and policy alignment to ensure the facility serves as a national cultural hub.
Upgrades to the theatre include a new HVAC system, advanced fire safety measures, modern electrical, water, and sewage systems, state-of-the-art audio-visual and lighting technology, world-class stage engineering, 17 passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of historic artworks across the façade and interior.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said: “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.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the facility as “a world-class venue for arts, culture, tourism, and global conferences,” while Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa called it “a gift to the nation and a milestone in preserving cultural assets and creating opportunities for the creative industry.”
Originally built under the Yakubu Gowon administration and completed in 1976 during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, the National Theatre famously hosted FESTAC ’77 the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.
