In tribute to one of Nigeria’s most esteemed literary figures, President Bola Tinubu has announced the renaming of the National Theatre in Lagos to “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.”
This announcement was made in a statement released on July 12, 2024, as part of the celebrations marking Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday on July 13.
President Tinubu lauded Soyinka as one of the finest minds of his generation, praising his unwavering stance against injustice and oppression. He highlighted Soyinka’s profound contributions to literature and society, acknowledging his enduring influence on writers, scholars, and activists globally.
The president expressed his admiration for Soyinka’s courageous fight against corruption and maladministration in Nigeria, noting the pivotal role he played in the struggle for democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In his tribute, President Tinubu recalled their shared efforts in opposing military dictators through the National Liberation Council of Nigeria (NALICON) and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during Soyinka’s exile. “Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country,” Tinubu stated.
Soyinka, celebrated worldwide as a playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, and advocate for good governance, became the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986.
His illustrious career is marked by numerous prestigious awards, including the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature and the Europe Theatre Prize.
