“Stop Disparaging Nigeria, Our Nation Destined For Greatness- Tinubu To Citizens Home & Abroad”

President Bola Tinubu has told Nigerians at home and abroad to stop speaking ill of their country, insisting that the nation is destined for greatness.

Speaking at the unveiling of the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, Tinubu said Nigerians must learn to believe in themselves and their heritage.

“This is a country of very proud people. We know what we are. From our parents, we inherited a nation of great, confident and dedicated people. This country will succeed. Lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first,” the President said.

He added that the decision to name the theatre after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was deliberate, describing him as one of the world’s greatest assets. “Only Soyinka deserves this honour, and I knew you would not disobey this President,” he said.

The N68bn renovation of the theatre was funded by the Bankers’ Committee in collaboration with the Federal and Lagos State governments. Tinubu tasked the Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, to create an endowment fund for its maintenance and urged managers to generate jobs and protect the facility from neglect.

Soyinka, who admitted he was reluctant to accept the honour, thanked the President for ensuring the survival of a monument he once thought was beyond repair.

The event drew top dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, governors, ministers, lawmakers and traditional rulers, while guests were entertained by the National Troupe and other performing groups.