Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially announced that the newly revitalized National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, now rebranded as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, will be commissioned in October 2024. The governor made this statement on August 11 during an inspection of the facility in Ikeja, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the over four-year renovation project.

Originally known as the National Arts Theatre, the complex has undergone an extensive transformation, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Lagos State Government, the Bankers Committee, and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative sector. The restoration project aims to position the facility as a premier global cultural destination, celebrating Nigerian talent and artistic expression.

In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu renamed the structure after Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka in honor of his 90th birthday. The 7-floor complex now features state-of-the-art facilities, including a 5,000-seat Main Hall, two cinema halls, an art gallery, a dedicated African literature library, exhibition halls, conference rooms, and performance spaces.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of the center in preserving Nigerian cultural heritage and promoting creativity. He noted that it would become a hub for cultural exchange, attracting both local and international artists and fostering the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.

“I am truly excited by the progress made on this project. The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts is a fitting tribute to Professor Soyinka’s contributions to literature and the arts. It is designed to be a one-stop destination for international audiences, offering world-class performances, conferences, and creative exhibitions,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The newly renamed center is part of Lagos State’s larger effort to boost the creative economy, making Lagos a global cultural destination while providing opportunities for the growth of Nigeria’s artistic community.