Entertainment
Why I accepted National Theatre renaming after me – Wole Soyinka
Why I accepted National Theatre renaming after me – Wole Soyinka
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has shared the reason he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre, Lagos, in his honour, despite his long-standing criticism of leaders who often appropriate public monuments.
Speaking on Wednesday, Soyinka admitted that he took the decision with “mixed feelings,” noting that he had never imagined the monument would one day be revived after years of neglect.
The renowned playwright said while he has always been wary of such symbolic gestures, the decision to rename the National Theatre after him came at a time when the facility is witnessing efforts at restoration, making the honour more meaningful.
“I have to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem very well for me,” the literary giant said.
Soyinka, who spoke at the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos), said he accepted to eat his words if the monumental turn-around of the theatre complex is what he would get in return.
He explained that before the renovation of the edifice, he thought it was irredeemable, but the Bankers’ Committee “made me eat my words.”’
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He said the Bankers’ Committee had done a great job and brought the edifice to global standards. He said that with the recreation of the edifice, Nigerians can now watch Africa Theatre at home instead of travelling abroad.
The Bankers’ Committee committed N68 billion into the project.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the occasion directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to float a National Arts Theatre Endowment Fund to ensure the maintenance of the national edifice.
Soyinka said: “And one of the reasons was I nearly electrocuted two of my actors. That is how they crept into my car. The roofs were leaking, so the pools of water were everywhere. And of course, there were electric wires also.
“One other reason is nostalgia. I remember this building when it was first erected, when we did it originally. I think we called it General’s Hat, because of the shape of the roof. There’s a constant re-conception very little of what I call the African architectural intelligence in it.
“Then there’s another reason why I thought I should accept.
Well, I was already ambushed. They shaved my head behind me. I would have raised a squawk. But, then I decided, this building belongs to me. It belongs to me.”
Tinubu directs CBN to float National Theatre Endowment Fund
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The promised to contribute to the endowment fund.
Among the prominent persons at the event were First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who coordinated the Bankers’ Committee, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi, who is a former CBN governor; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
President Tinubu said there was no controversy in the National Theatre being renamed, adding that he considered Prof Soyinka’s contributions to the arts and culture.
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“Prof. Wole Soyinka is one of the greatest assets of the world. So, the renaming could not have gone to anyone else,” he said.
The President advised Nigerians to stop talking negatively about the country.
“Let us all come together to rebuild Nigeria. The youth should also renew their hope in Nigeria and work together for its continued greatness,” he said.
Cardoso said the Bankers Committee was committed to spending N68 billion in remodelling the edifice.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’ Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this national project, with the Bankers’ Committee alone committing approximately N68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future,” Cardoso said.
He said that the project stands as proof that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.
The CBN boss stated that 65 years after our nation’s founding, Nigeria’s creative spirit remains alive, pervasive and shaping global culture.
“This edifice has stood for nearly half a century as a proud symbol of our heritage. Completed in 1976 and inaugurated at FESTAC ’77, it became a beacon of African creativity and a repository of our shared history,” he said.
Cardoso explained that by renaming the National Arts Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in July 2024, ‘’President Tinubu charted a bold course to place creativity at the heart of Nigeria’s renaissance.”
Cardoso explained that the Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation; it is a rebirth.
“Its iconic silhouette has been preserved while delivering world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised infrastructure. The surrounding grounds now offer gardens, outdoor exhibition areas, upgraded access, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line rail, placing culture at the heart of city life,” he said.
Why I accepted National Theatre renaming after me – Wole Soyinka
(Nation)
Entertainment
“She doesn’t want to see me” – BBNaija winner Imisi’s mother cries out in viral video
“She doesn’t want to see me” – BBNaija winner Imisi’s mother cries out in viral video
The mother of Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi Ayanwale, has ignited fresh controversy after releasing a TikTok video addressing growing tensions between her and her daughter.
In the video, she thanked friends, church members and residents of Ebute-Metta, Lagos, for their support during Imisi’s time on the reality show. She also rejected claims that she abandoned her daughter before the show.
“I want to sincerely appreciate all those who stood by me during Imisi’s time on Big Brother. My friends, everyone in Ebute-Metta, the church, I am so grateful,” she said.
Speaking from her sibling’s home in Ajah, she hinted that certain family members had shut her out since Imisi’s win.
“People said I did not take care of my child—thank you for what you said. I was running around to ensure that my daughter wins, so she can become someone in life and take me out of poverty,” she said.
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She further suggested that her daughter had asked not to see her: “She said she does not want to see me wherever she is. Is it that serious? There is still a lot to talk about.”
The mother also alleged she was sidelined during the show’s grand finale.
“On the day of the BBNaija finale, I was not even told it was the final. It was a few minutes to 4 p.m. they called me to dress up and wear something nice. I was even taken somewhere else initially,” she claimed.
During her stay in the BBNaija house, Imisi had spoken openly about her strained relationship with her parents, recounting that she was sent out of the house at the age of 12 — an experience she said exposed her to trauma and abuse while seeking shelter.
The latest video has stirred strong reactions online, with many calling for a reconciliation between the reality star and her family, even as the rift appears to widen.
Imisi mother continues again today
cos the back lash she's getting from strangers on the street is too much..
" i didnt say anything to bash imisi from my video yesterday , but ppl believed the story she said about me , she must come out to clarify it, i never chase her out at… pic.twitter.com/RVPGpsqROm— ARIDEBZ 📍D CREATOR (@EkpohD) November 14, 2025
“She doesn’t want to see me” – BBNaija winner Imisi’s mother cries out in viral video
Entertainment
Genevieve Nnaji makes rare public appearance at AFRIFF, ends disappearance rumours
Genevieve Nnaji makes rare public appearance at AFRIFF, ends disappearance rumours
Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji made a headline-grabbing return to the public eye at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos, quelling long-standing rumours about her disappearance.
The award-winning actress, who has maintained a low profile on social media and in public for years, appeared radiant in a colourful outfit that drew admiration from guests and fans alike. Her presence immediately set social media abuzz, with many celebrating what they described as the long-awaited “return of the queen.”
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Photos of Genevieve posing alongside colleagues—including Uche Jombo and AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude—have since been circulating online, further fuelling excitement about her re-emergence.
Her long break from the spotlight had previously sparked speculation about her well-being, particularly concerning her mental health. However, Genevieve has made a few public appearances in recent times, as well as a subtle return to social media, effectively dispelling those rumours.
Her latest appearance at AFRIFF is being hailed as a major comeback moment, with fans hopeful that the beloved actress is gearing up to return to film and public engagements.
For now, Nollywood and its global fanbase are watching eagerly—and with renewed anticipation—for what Genevieve does next.
Genevieve Nnaji makes rare public appearance at AFRIFF, ends disappearance rumours
Entertainment
Baba Ijesha walks free as Appeal Court quashes conviction, viral video sparks reactions
Baba Ijesha walks free as Appeal Court quashes conviction, viral video sparks reactions
Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, has reportedly regained his freedom after the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.
The embattled comic star, arrested in 2021, had been handed a 16-year jail term by the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja in July 2022 after being found guilty on multiple counts involving the molestation of a 14-year-old girl.
On Saturday, a video — widely circulated across Facebook, Instagram and X — surfaced online showing the actor seated in a vehicle moments after his alleged release. In the clip, he appeared visibly relieved as he spoke briefly on the phone, according to a report by PUNCH.
“Apase, I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. I just want to leave here so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you,” he said in Yoruba.
Though PUNCH stated that it had not independently verified the footage, the man seen celebrating his release strongly appeared to be Baba Ijesha.
Actor Yomi Fabiyi, a close associate and one of the loudest voices advocating for him during the trial, also announced the development in an Instagram post on Friday.
Fabiyi described the Appeal Court’s ruling as a long-overdue clarification, insisting the case had been mishandled from the onset.
According to him, the judgement not only “clears” Baba Ijesha but also reinforces the need for fairness, due process, and the protection of rights in cases involving minors.
Fabiyi, who has repeatedly stressed his stance as a human rights advocate, reiterated that neither he nor the actor condones abuse.
“We never and will never support any form of sexual abuse, especially involving children,” he wrote. “We will continue to stand for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights.”
The development has continued to generate mixed reactions online as Nigerians await an official statement confirming the Appeal Court’s decision.
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