Tinubu Urges Endowment Fund for National Theatre’s Sustainability
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and other stakeholders to establish an endowment fund for the newly renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.
The President made this appeal in Lagos during the official reopening of the historic theatre after a major facelift. He stressed that such a fund would ensure proper maintenance, create jobs, and guarantee the facility’s long-term accessibility.
Building Hope and Unity
Speaking at the event, Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to remain positive about the country’s future.
“Stop talking ill, negative of Nigeria. We are a nation of great people. Let’s believe, let’s build, and let’s put Nigeria first,” he said.
He pledged to personally contribute to the endowment fund, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in keeping the cultural centre alive.
CBN’s Contribution and Collective Action
CBN Governor Cardoso disclosed that the Bankers’ Committee had already committed about ₦68 billion to the theatre’s renovation. He noted that the project is proof of what unity between the public and private sectors can achieve. He also paid tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe for his role in driving the vision.
Honouring Wole Soyinka
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, in whose honor the theatre was renamed, recalled the building’s origins and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He urged Nigerians to maximize the facility rather than seeking opportunities abroad to experience African theatre.
“Stop talking ill of Nigeria. We are a nation of great people. Let’s believe, let’s build, and let’s put Nigeria first.” – President Bola Tinubu
The Creative Economy as a Growth Driver
Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the project as part of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She explained that the creative sector is central to job creation, tourism, and national pride, citing new initiatives such as the Creative Economy Development Fund and the Motherland Initiative to reconnect the diaspora with Nigerian culture.
The reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre signals a rebirth for Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries. With Tinubu’s call for an endowment fund and the billions already invested, the centre is set to flourish as a symbol of creativity, unity, and economic opportunity for Nigerians.
