President Tinubu renames the National Arts Theatre to honor Wole Soyinka, celebrating his 90th birthday and global literary impact.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the renaming of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, as the Wole Soyinka National Arts Theatre in honor of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, amidst celebrations marking his 90th birthday. The decision, conveyed in a formal letter to Soyinka, underscores the playwright's global literary impact and commitment to justice.
Tinubu praised Soyinka as a pivotal figure in Nigerian and global literature, highlighting his Nobel Prize in Literature and his courageous activism against oppression. The renaming ceremony coincides with international tributes, including a recent symposium in Rabat, Morocco, and local festivities.
Professor Soyinka, known for his resilience and multifaceted talents, remains a beacon of national pride and a vocal critic of injustice worldwide. His contributions, spanning literature, theater, and political activism, have solidified his legacy as a monumental figure in Nigerian and African history.
The decision has sparked diverse reactions, with many applauding the tribute to Soyinka's legacy while others debate the choice of naming amidst regional sentiments. Nevertheless, the renaming is seen as a significant recognition of Soyinka's enduring influence on Nigerian culture and global literature.
