The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa Saturday July 13 2024 joined other Nigerians and the global community in celebrating Nigeria’s literary legend, Professor Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday.
The Minister also noted that Prof. Soyinka’s legacy has continued to inspire generations.
The Minister in the statement which was signed by her media aide, Nneka Ikem Anibeze congratulated Professor Soyinka on the remarkable milestone and acknowledged his enduring legacy.
“I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday. His contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and we are honored to celebrate him today.
“This milestone is a testament to his remarkable life, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in literature, culture, and the arts. Prof Soyinka’s contributions to Nigeria and the world are immeasurable. His writings have inspired generations, and his tireless advocacy for justice, equity, and human rights has left an indelible mark on our society.
“As we celebrate him today, we honor his legacy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our nation. His life’s work has been a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to strive for greatness.
“We are grateful for his inspiring life and legacy, and we look forward to many more years of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration”.
Musawa also expressed her excitement at the renaming of the National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and heartily welcomes this change to the beloved Nigerian cultural landmark.
“This renaming bears testament to the enduring legacy of Professor Wole Soyinka, whose contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world as a whole. The National Theatre will continue to be an icon of creativity and a symbol of our rich cultural heritage”.
The renaming comes at an appropriate time, as the theatre gears up to reopen after undergoing extensive renovations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee to transform the Theatre into a world-class center of culture.
The General Manager of the National Theatre, Mrs. Adetola Akerele Alao acknowledges the significant contributions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee towards the renovations.
“The National Theatre has always been a cornerstone of Nigerian culture, cherished by generations. Through engaging programming, and the transformation of this repository of cultural legacy into a reputable center of creativity and community, our goal is to revive that sense of awe and wonder. And under the public-private partnership with the CBN/Bankers Committee, we are confident of a sustainable cultural impact”.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, government is committed to promoting cultural education and entertainment infrastructure. The proposed Media City, modelled after the Dubai Media City, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for film production, conference centers, and performance spaces. Existing entertainment venues and stadia will be upgraded, and new ones constructed across the country.
“As we celebrate Professor Soyinka’s 90th birthday, we also announce the establishment of an animation hub to support young talents and attract global animation studios. This initiative will provide opportunities for collaboration and skill development in the creative sector”.
The renovations to the National Theatre commenced three years ago, marking a significant chapter in the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has designated October 1st, 2024—Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary—as the date for the grand reopening of this iconic institution. The Theatre is scheduled to reopen with a spectacular array of world-class performances in the arts and an exclusive showcase of the National Art Collection. This momentous occasion promises to celebrate not only the rebirth of a cultural landmark but also the enduring spirit of Nigerian creativity and excellence.
