Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the renaming of the National Arts Theater in Igammu to Wole Soyinka Center for Culture And Creative Arts, after Nobel prize winner Professor Wole Soyinka.
The Governor made the disclosure when he inspected ongoing refurbishment efforts in the iconic edifice on Sunday. Sanwo-Olu, who expressed satisfaction on the level of work, said he has the assurance of handlers that the project sponsored by his Government will open to the general public in about three to four months time.
He stated that the newly transformed treasure and one-stop shop, which can be compared to the World International Centre, would be completely open as a multipurpose facility.
The Governor had in 2019 commissioned rehabilitation works on the theatre considered as one of Nigeria’s legacy structures.
Speaking to journalists during the tour, the Governor appreciated the Bankers’ Committee, Creative sector, Engineers and other stakeholders for their commitment in ensuring that the project is completed as scheduled.
With the effort by his government, Sanwo-Olu said the edifice can now compete with any World Conference Center in any part of the world in terms of modernisation. He added that accessibility is not a problem, because his administration had constructed a train line around the complex.
According to Sanwo-Olu, “When completed, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts would promote arts, tourism and culture; it would be a place where the international community can converge for conferences, host world-class performances, among other activities.”
“Renovation of the National Arts Theatre shows that it has brought back the old glory in a bigger and more transformative way of what it used to be.” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Also at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, said the national treasure has been positioned to compete favourably with the international community as a tourist attraction while promoting the entertainment industry.
Aregbe said that commencement of activities at the national treasure would help to take a lot of youths off the streets, while generating employment for many Nigerians.
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, Iganmu, Lagos, now accommodates Arts and Cultural Gallery, Banquet Hall, Conference Centres and Cinema rooms, parking facilities, among others.
