Federal Government has renamed he National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, lagos, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
President Tinubu announced the change of name of the theatre in a statement to congratulate Professor Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday.
Justifying the decision to rename the theatre, President Tinubu said Professor Soyinka was a globally-celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, and documentaries, as well as a foremost advocate of good governance and of a fair and just society, who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1986, becoming the first African to win the Prize in that category.
“The Nobel Prize Laureate is a recipient of many other reputable awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize – (Special Prize)”, the President said.
Signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the statement says President Tinubu describes Professor Soyinka as one of the finest minds of his generation, conforming to the highest standards of human enlightenment, but unyielding to injustice, oppression, and base impulses.
“I salute one of Nigeria’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage, and commends him for his valiant efforts in the trenches for the nation’s future both as a pro-democracy champion and as a trenchant voice against corruption and maladministration over several decades.
“Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election. When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanized opposition in exile through NALICON and NADECO. His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria.
“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”, he said.
President Tinubu wishes Professor Soyinka many more years in good health and creative fulfilment as a global force for change.
Bello Wakili
