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From Ruins To Renaissance: National Theatre Reborn As Wole Soyinka Centre
News Report....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Nigeria marked a milestone in its cultural and creative journey as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially reopened the refurbished National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. The ceremony, held on October 1 as part of the country’s 65th Independence Day celebrations, drew together political leaders, business figures, and cultural icons, underscoring the nation’s commitment to reviving its creative economy.
President Tinubu, while honouring Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, described Professor Wole Soyinka as a global treasure and emphasized the symbolic significance of renaming the edifice after him. He urged Nigerians to shed negativity, believe in their country, and take pride in its achievements, pledging personal support for an endowment fund to ensure the Centre remains vibrant and sustainable.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the reopening as a cultural rebirth for Lagos and Nigeria, recalling the theatre’s pivotal role in FESTAC ’77. He noted the state’s contributions to the project, including infrastructure developments such as a Blue Line Metro station and plans to create a world-class creative district around the Centre.
Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso described the transformation as a testament to the power of public-private collaboration. He disclosed that the Bankers’ Committee invested about N68 billion in the renovation, not just as corporate responsibility but as a deliberate commitment to Nigeria’s creative future. Cardoso praised President Tinubu’s directive to ensure the project was completed in time for the Independence Day celebration, calling the result a symbol of national renewal.
Professor Soyinka, in his remarks, admitted accepting the honour with mixed emotions, recalling his past criticisms of naming monuments after individuals. With humour, he reflected on once declaring the old theatre irredeemable, even suggesting it be demolished, but commended those who made the transformation possible, saying he was glad to “eat his words” in light of the impressive outcome. He expressed hope that the Centre would inspire generations of Nigerian artists.
The revamped facility boasts modern audio-visual systems, upgraded performance halls, rehearsal studios, a literature library, and seamless connection to Lagos’ Blue Line Rail, positioning it as a global-standard cultural hub. Mrs. Tola Akerele, the Centre’s General Manager, described the reopening as a platform for building a globally competitive creative economy, stressing its potential to create jobs, empower young talent, and boost Nigeria’s global standing in arts and culture.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, the Wole Soyinka Centre emerges not only as a restored landmark but also as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride, ushering in a new era for the nation’s creative industry.
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‘Atiku Won’t Pick Senate President’ – Dino Melaye Declares.
The Deputy Director-General of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Dino Melaye, has pledged that an administration led by the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would not interfere in the selection of the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives if elected.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Melaye made the declaration during an appearance on Arise Television, where he said the ADC would allow lawmakers to elect their leaders independently.
He maintained that the party was committed to democratic principles and an independent National Assembly.
“To start with, an Atiku presidency will not determine who is going to be the Senate president, the president of the Senate, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“Atiku is a Democrat. ADC is a very democratic political party. So we are going to allow the people to elect their leaders,” he said.
Melaye argued that allowing lawmakers to choose their leaders would promote legislative independence and strengthen the National Assembly’s oversight of the executive arm of government.
He said an independent legislature would be better positioned to scrutinise government activities and hold the executive accountable.
“And I told you that wherever you have the members electing their leaders, there is some modicum of independence.
“So to start with, the ADC will make sure that the National Assembly is truly independent, and if the National Assembly is truly independent, that will drive their oversight functions over the Executive,” he said.
Speaking on how government spending would be monitored, the ADC campaign official said relevant National Assembly committees would be empowered to question government officials and examine public expenditure.
He specifically mentioned the Committees on Establishment, Finance, and Budget and Planning as possible channels for investigating government spending and ensuring accountability.
“The Committee on Establishment is responsible for questioning this type of spenders because they have direct oversight function over the State House. The committee on finance is there. The committee on budget and planning is there,” Melaye said.
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Near-Death Experience: Cubana Chief Priest Speaks Out After Surviving Terrifying Flight Incident.
Nigerian socialite and nightlife promoter Paschal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has expressed gratitude to God after surviving a frightening experience during a recent flight.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The businessman disclosed that he encountered the worst air turbulence he had ever experienced while travelling by plane.
In a post shared on his Instagram Story, Cubana Chief Priest revealed that the aircraft shook violently, leaving him terrified and fearing that he might not survive the journey.
He explained that the experience was so disturbing that he thought his life was about to end.
The socialite also admitted that the incident left him shaken, as he struggled to overcome the fear he experienced while the aircraft battled the turbulence.
He said: “Experienced the craziest turbulence ever in my life, I still can’t feel my heart I thought it was over, Thank God for journey mercies.”
In another development, Cubana Chief Priest has called on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The socialite described Umahi as one of the worst ministers the South-East had produced, arguing that the region had little to show for having one of its own in charge of the Ministry of Works.
He also criticised another minister from Imo State, whom he described as the worst minister the region had ever had.
According to Chief Priest, the ministers have failed to create visible opportunities for the Igbo people despite occupying important positions in the Federal Government.
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AFCON Showdown: Tanzania Set To Arrive In Uyo Ahead Of Super Eagles Clash.
Tanzania’s national team, the Taifa Stars, are expected to arrive in Uyo on Sunday as they step up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to The Citizen, the early arrival will give head coach Miguel Gamondi sufficient time to prepare his players for the Matchday Three fixture scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Gamondi has selected a 24-man squad for the double-header against Nigeria. Tanzanian Premier League champions Yanga FC and Azam FC have the highest representation, with five players each.
Kagera Sugar and Singida Black Stars have one player apiece in the squad.
The foreign-based players include Novatus Miroshi of Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe, Cyprian Kachewele of Ukrainian side Kryvbas and Bernard Kamongo, who plays for Major League Soccer outfit FC Dallas.
The Taifa Stars will be seeking their first victory in the qualifying campaign after failing to win either of their opening two matches.
Tanzania began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau before playing out a 1-1 draw against Madagascar in their second fixture.
Nigeria will host the first leg in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before both countries meet again in Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.
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