The Nigerian government has announced the renaming of the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts” in a grand gesture to honor one of Africa’s most illustrious literary figures, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde, famously known Wole Soyinka.
This decision comes as Professor Soyinka, the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature, celebrates his 90th birthday on July 13, 2024.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the announcement in a heartfelt tribute to Soyinka, praising the renowned writer’s contributions to literature, culture, and Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
“Professor Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, deserves all the accolades as he marks the milestone of 90 years on earth, the president said in a statement issued on Friday.
“Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work. It is also fitting we celebrate this national treasure while he is still with us.
“I am, accordingly, delighted to have the honour to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.”
The renaming of the theater serves as a fitting tribute to Soyinka’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on Nigerian and global literature.
Soyinka who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, is being celebrated both locally and internationally. A symposium and poetry reading were held in Rabat, Morocco, on July 9, organized by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), underscoring Soyinka’s global influence.
President Tinubu highlighted Soyinka’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, particularly following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election,” Tinubu said
“When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanised 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.”
Earlier in March, the legendary poet was celebrated in Lagos on the occasion of the World Poetry Day.
FirstBank had also announced its sponsorship of a theatrical performance titled “The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun” as part of the celebrations marking Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
President Tinubu further expressed his birthday wishes for Soyinka, praying for good health with long life to hit his “his centennial”.
“I wish Professor Soyinka an incredibly happy 90th birthday, he added.
“May he continue in good health to find creative fulfilment in the next decade leading up to his centennial. “May he continue to inspire us all to build a nation where people are free from oppression and our teeming youths can live up to their dreams without being a wasted generation.”
The renaming of the National Theatre is not just a celebration of Soyinka’s literary achievements but also a recognition of his unwavering commitment to human dignity, justice, and democracy.
It demonstrates his influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work and his courage in confronting oppression.
