President Bola Tinubu has renamed the National Theatre in Surulere, Nigeria, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honor of a distinguished literary figure.
This announcement comes as part of the celebrations marking the 90th birthday of Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, famously known as Wole Soyinka.
President Tinubu praised the renowned playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, and documentarian, Mr. Soyinka, for his significant contributions to literature and society.
Recognizing Mr. Soyinka’s pivotal role as an advocate of good governance and a fair and just society, the President described him as one of the finest minds of his generation.
“Wole Soyinka’s achievements in literature and his tireless fight for justice and democracy have made him a global icon,” President Tinubu remarked.
“He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to receive this honor. His accolades also include the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature, the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Europe Theatre Prize’s Special Prize.”
Reflecting on their shared history, President Tinubu noted, “Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. When faced with a trial in absentia and a death sentence by the military regime, Mr. Soyinka galvanized opposition in exile, becoming the face of our struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria.”
In his tribute, the President commended Mr. Soyinka for his unwavering stand against injustice and his valiant efforts as a pro-democracy champion and an outspoken critic of corruption and maladministration.
“Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists. I am delighted to honor him by renaming the National Theatre as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts,” President Tinubu announced.
The President expressed his gratitude for Mr. Soyinka’s continued contributions to global change and wished him many more years of good health and creative fulfillment.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)