Soyinka, Ooni Hail President Tinubu’s Efforts in Elevating Nigerian Culture Globally…President Bola Tinubu has received high praise from two of Nigeria’s most respected cultural figures—Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi—for his commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural identity and heritage on the international stage.
Both figures, known for their lifelong advocacy for the preservation and elevation of Nigerian and African traditions, lauded recent efforts by the Tinubu administration aimed at revitalizing cultural institutions and positioning Nigeria’s arts and heritage as central to national development and global diplomacy.
One of the most symbolic gestures by President Tinubu was the renaming of the iconic National Theatre in Lagos to the “Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.” The announcement came as part of the celebration marking Professor Soyinka’s 90th birthday, a milestone in the life of a literary giant whose work has transcended borders and inspired generations across Africa and beyond.
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Speaking during the ceremony, President Tinubu described Soyinka as “a global ambassador for Nigerian creativity, a living symbol of intellectual courage, and a guardian of our collective cultural conscience.” He noted that the renaming of the theatre was not only a tribute to Soyinka’s achievements but also a reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to empowering the Nigerian creative industry and honoring those who have shaped the country’s cultural history.
The decision has been widely praised as a long-overdue recognition of Soyinka’s contributions to the arts and a significant step in reviving one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural landmarks, which has suffered years of neglect. The National Theatre, built in the 1970s, has long symbolized Nigeria’s golden era of artistic excellence and was once the pride of West Africa’s cultural scene.
In his response, Soyinka expressed appreciation for the honor and emphasized the importance of sustained government investment in the arts and creative industries. He noted that while cultural expressions such as literature, drama, and music serve as channels of identity, they also play crucial roles in nation-building and international engagement.
Joining Soyinka in his commendation of the president’s cultural vision was the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, a foremost traditional ruler and passionate advocate for Yoruba culture. The monarch, who has actively led cultural exchange initiatives around the world, particularly in the Americas and the Caribbean, praised the Tinubu administration for taking practical steps to project Nigeria’s heritage to the global audience.
The Ooni referenced previous cultural missions, including a significant visit to Brazil where he led a delegation of Nigerian traditional leaders, scholars, and cultural ambassadors to engage with the Afro-Brazilian community. That initiative led to discussions about establishing a Nigerian cultural museum in Brazil, with Professor Soyinka agreeing to serve on the advisory board.
According to the Ooni, promoting Nigeria’s culture globally is not just a matter of pride but a diplomatic necessity. “Our culture is our strength,” he said. “In promoting it, we’re not only preserving who we are, we’re also building bridges with the world, especially with communities that share historical and ancestral ties with us.”
Cultural diplomacy, both Soyinka and the Ooni agreed, has a significant role to play in Nigeria’s global image and soft power. They called for continued government support in areas such as heritage preservation, museum development, traditional arts, and cross-cultural education.
President Tinubu’s cultural agenda is part of a broader strategy to diversify Nigeria’s economy by expanding the creative industry and tourism sector. By investing in cultural institutions and celebrating national icons, the administration hopes to not only generate revenue but also inspire a sense of national pride among Nigerians at home and abroad.
With the backing of revered cultural voices like Soyinka and the Ooni of Ife, the administration’s efforts may prove pivotal in reshaping how Nigeria tells its story to the world—a story rich in diversity, history, and creativity.
