Tinubu Renames National Arts Theatre to Honor Wole Soyinka on His 90th Birthday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally announced the renaming of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, to the Wole Soyinka National Arts Theatre in honor of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

The announcement came through a letter sent by President Tinubu to Professor Soyinka, celebrating his remarkable literary contributions and unwavering dedication to principles of human dignity and justice.

“Tinubu highlighted Soyinka’s global impact, emphasizing his stature as the first African Nobel Literature Prize laureate in 1986 and his ongoing influence as a playwright, poet, activist, and cultural figure.”

The renaming ceremony coincides with a series of international celebrations marking Soyinka’s 90th birthday, including a symposium and poetry reading in Rabat, Morocco, organized by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) on July 9.

President Tinubu praised Soyinka’s resilience and enduring contributions to literature and activism, citing his role in advocating for democracy during Nigeria’s struggle against military rule, particularly following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The renaming of the National Arts Theatre to the Wole Soyinka National Arts Theatre is seen as a tribute to Soyinka’s legacy and his transformative impact on Nigerian and global cultural landscapes.