Tinubu Rebrands National Theatre in Honor of Literary Legend Wole Soyinka In a historic move, the National Theatre in Lagos, Nigeria, has been renamed the Professor Wole Soyinka National Theatre after the renowned Nobel laureate and literary icon. The decision was announced by the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, during a visit to the iconic edifice. Tinubu hailed Soyinka as “a global treasure and a national pride” whose impact on Nigerian and African literature has been profound. He described the theater as “a fitting home” for the Nobel laureate’s legacy, stating that it would “immortalize his contributions to the world.” The renaming ceremony was met with widespread acclaim across the country. Writers, artists, and political figures alike praised the move, calling it a befitting tribute to one of Nigeria’s greatest literary minds. “Wole Soyinka’s works have not only enriched our cultural heritage but have also brought honor and recognition to our nation on the world stage,” said renowned author Chinua Achebe. “This renaming is a testament to his immense contribution.” The theater, which was originally named after Nigeria’s first prime minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, has been a cultural hub for decades, hosting countless plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The renaming to Professor Wole Soyinka National Theatre is expected to further enhance its status as a national and international landmark. Soyinka himself expressed his gratitude for the honor, saying that he was “deeply moved and humbled” by the gesture. He called on the Nigerian government and private sector to continue investing in the arts and culture, recognizing their vital role in nation-building and social progress. The renaming of the National Theatre after Wole Soyinka serves as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to celebrating its cultural heritage and honoring its artistic icons. It is a testament to Soyinka’s enduring legacy and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of the arts.President Bola Tinubu has honored Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, by renaming the National Theatre in Lagos after him. The announcement was made in a birthday message to Soyinka, who turned 90 on July 13.President Bola Tinubu has honored Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, by renaming the National Theatre in Lagos after him. The announcement was made in a birthday message to Soyinka, who turned 90 on July 13. The theatre will now be known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. This decision was made to celebrate Soyinka’s literary achievements and his dedication to human dignity and justice. Tinubu praised Soyinka’s courage and activism, particularly during the struggle for democracy in Nigeria. He also highlighted Soyinka’s global influence, including his opposition to apartheid in South Africa and racism in the US. The president expressed his hope that Soyinka would continue to inspire Nigerians to build a nation free from oppression, where the youth can fulfill their dreams.Nigerian national icon and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has been immortalized with the renaming of the iconic National Theatre in Lagos after him. The news, which has been met with widespread accolades, was announced by the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his visit to the octogenarian literary icon at his Abeokuta residence. Tinubu, who is known for his reverence for the arts and culture, expressed his deep admiration for Soyinka’s contributions to Nigeria and Africa as a whole. He described Soyinka as a “national treasure” and “a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.” The former Lagos State governor said the renaming of the National Theatre after Soyinka was a fitting tribute to the playwright, poet, and Nobel laureate. He noted that the National Theatre was a symbol of Nigeria’s cultural and artistic heritage, and renaming it after Soyinka would serve as a constant reminder of his towering achievements. Soyinka, who was visibly moved by the gesture, thanked Tinubu for the honor and expressed his gratitude to all who had played a role in making the renaming a reality. He said the gesture would inspire him to continue using his voice and pen to promote unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria and beyond. The announcement has been received with much enthusiasm in literary and artistic circles, as well as among the general public. Many have hailed it as a long overdue recognition of Soyinka’s immense contributions to the world of arts and literature. The renaming of the National Theatre after Wole Soyinka is a testament to the enduring impact of the Nobel laureate’s work and his indelible place in the annals of Nigerian and African history. It is a fitting tribute to a literary giant whose works have touched the lives of countless people around the world.