Independence Day would host President Tinubu Inaugurating the Revamped National Theatre, Iganmu, as Wole Soyinka Centre
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, President Bola Tinubu will inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, in Lagos on October 1st, 2025. The iconic cultural hub, which would now be renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, pays tribute to the Nobel Laureate while symbolising the country creative sector’s rebirth.
The National Arts Theatre facelift, funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee with federal policy oversight, has transformed the arts theatre sociocultural venue into a family-friendly, world-class site for art, business, entertainment, events, exhibition and leisure. With upgraded stage technology, safety systems, solar power grid and restored historic artworks, the theatre is now positioned as both a cultural landmark and a commercial driver for Nigeria’s creative economy.
The inauguration will feature the National Troupe, goodwill messages from leaders and special remarks by Prof. Soyinka himself. Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the centre as a “venue for global performances and conferences,” while Minister Hannatu Musawa called it “a gift to the nation”.
First opened in 1976 and famed for hosting FESTAC ’77, the National Arts Theatre’s revival is expected to create new opportunities for families, entrepreneurs and artists alike, blending heritage with modern enterprise in celebration of Nigeria’s identity.
