Tinubu Renames National Theater As Soyinka Turns 90-President Bola Tinubu has honored Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka by renaming the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after him. This significant gesture was announced in a tribute written by Tinubu to celebrate Soyinka’s 90th birthday. The tribute, titled “Professor Wole Soyinka at 90: Tribute to a National Treasure and Global Icon,” was personally signed by the President and shared with journalists on Friday.
In his tribute, Tinubu expressed immense pleasure in joining admirers worldwide to celebrate Soyinka. He highlighted that July 13 would mark the pinnacle of numerous local and international activities honoring Soyinka’s immense contributions. Tinubu wrote, “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. Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work.”
Tinubu emphasized that celebrating Soyinka while he is still with us is essential. Consequently, he announced the Federal Government’s decision to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. This renaming reflects Nigeria’s recognition of Soyinka’s remarkable literary achievements and his unwavering commitment to human dignity and justice.
The tribute continued by acknowledging Soyinka’s diverse talents and contributions. Tinubu described Soyinka as a colossus and a true Renaissance person, noting his roles as a playwright, actor, poet, human rights and political activist, composer, and singer. Soyinka’s influence extends beyond the literary world, impacting Nigeria, Africa, and the entire globe. Tinubu remarked, “He is a giant bestriding not just the literary world but our nation, Africa, and the world.”
- RELATED:Tinubu’s ECOWAS Tenure Extended Amid Regional Turmoil
- Tinubu Renames National Theater As Soyinka Turns 90
Soyinka’s influence is not confined to Nigeria; his work and activism have inspired people globally. Since his youth, Soyinka has been a vocal critic of oppression and injustice, from apartheid in South Africa to racism in the United States. Tinubu recalled Soyinka’s courage and personal risks, such as his attempt to broker peace at the start of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967, which led to his imprisonment for two years. Despite facing deprivation and solitary confinement, Soyinka’s resolve to speak truth to power and fight for the marginalized only strengthened.
Tinubu shared personal reflections on crossing paths with Soyinka during the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, particularly following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Soyinka’s global stature and advocacy through NALICON and NADECO were instrumental in the fight to restore democracy in Nigeria.
The tribute also acknowledged a symposium and poetry reading held in Rabat, Morocco, on July 9, organized by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), to underscore Soyinka’s global relevance. Tinubu concluded by wishing Soyinka an incredibly happy 90th birthday and praying for his continued good health and creative fulfillment.
His emmence contribution to the field of art in promoting the culture and Nigeria literiture can not be overlooked from VOTP NEWS We Say happy Birthday. Tinubu Renames National Theater As Soyinka Turns 90
