Entertainment

National Theater: The Bankers’ Committee “made me eat my words – Soyinka

President Tinubu stated that there was no controversy surrounding the renaming of the National Theatre, adding that he considered Prof. Soyinka’s contributions to the arts and culture.

Published

6 months ago

October 2, 2025

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•From left: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Prof Wole Soyinka and Lagos State Governor Babajide-Sanwo-Olu…yesterday.

Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka says that before the renovation of the National Theatre, located at Iganmu, Lagos, he thought it was irredeemable, but the Bankers’ Committee “made me eat my words.”’

The renovated edifice was renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, by President Bola Tinubu, as parts of events marking Nigeria’s 65th independent anniversary, yesterday.

Soyinka praised the transformation of the building, noting, “If eating one’s word produces a morsel like this, then it’s a very tasty set of words.”

Soyinka emphasized that he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre after him : ” I never believed that the monument could ever be revamped.”

He admitted that he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, despite being a critic of many past leaders, who appropriated public monuments.

“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.

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.

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.

The Bankers’ Committee committed N68 billion into the project.

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. Prof. Wole Soyinka is one of the greatest assets of the world. So, the renaming could not have gone to anyone else,” he said.

President Tinubu stated that there was no controversy surrounding the renaming of the National Theatre, adding that he considered Prof. Soyinka’s contributions to the arts and culture.

Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, disclosed that 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.

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.

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Entertainment

Lagos Fanti carnival holds tomorrow at TBS and environs

The annual Lagos Fanti Carnival, a cultural celebration rooted in the city’s Afro Brazilian heritage, is expected to attract large crowds within and outside the state.

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2026

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The Lagos Fanti Carnival will Monday, April 6, 2026, at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island.

The annual Lagos Fanti Carnival, a cultural celebration rooted in the city’s Afro Brazilian heritage, is expected to attract large crowds within and outside the state.

The major routes for the carnival’s procession during the celebration includes King George V Road by Mobil Filling Station, Flag House inbound TBS, Force Road inbound TBS, Onikan Roundabout inbound TBS, and Waterboy Roundabout by Old Defence House.

Other affected routes are Moloney Road, Military Road by Old Defence Building, Ajasa Street, Boyle Street, and Hawley Street.

Entertainment

Super Eagles Iwobi to launch music album ‘More To Life’

The Fulham FC star revealed that the exnded play (EP) will feature a blend of solo efforts and collaborations, with Iwobi working alongside artistes such as 24am, Teniola Time, Gidi, Fido and SPK.

Published

6 days ago

April 1, 2026

OCHEFA

53 Views

The Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has ventured into the music industry besides footballing, revealing on Instagram that he is set to release the first album, titled ‘More To Life,’ on April 9.

The Fulham FC star revealed that the exnded play (EP) will feature a blend of solo efforts and collaborations, with Iwobi working alongside artistes such as 24am, Teniola Time, Gidi, Fido and SPKS.

The announcement was accompanied by the album artwork and a full tracklist for the nine-song project.

Two of the tracks will see the midfielder perform solo, highlighting his growing confidence in music.Iwobi is no stranger to the studio, having previously collaborated with fellow footballer Chuba Akpom—who records under the alias Skoli—as well as British rapper Ramz on the track Hop Out.

Despite his ventures into music, the 29-year-old continues to play a key role on the pitch.

Entertainment

Superstory TV Drama Begins Today With ‘Game Boys’

The star-studded casts of Superstory include: Toyin Alausa; Gloria Anozie; Nifemi Bruce; Saheed Bayonle; Bukky Ogunnote; Abiola Ajibike; Adeyoju Oluwaferanmi; Tolu Ogungbade; Jerry Smart; Mercy Effiong; Omolara Adenuga; Ifeoluwa Shobande; Christiana Nnamani; Favour Tawo; Yarima Shammah; Eniola Matonle, and many of your favourite stars.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 26, 2026

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132 Views

” From today March 26, 2026, episodes of Superstory: Game Boys will be airing weekly to viewers across Nigeria and several parts of Africa on NTA Network (Thursdays), wapTV (Thursdays), BCOS Ibadan (Saturdays), ITV Benin (Wednesdays), RSTV (Saturdays), ARTV (Tuesdays), PRTV (Saturdays), ITV Abuja (Wednesdays), MITV (Sundays ) and RAVE TV (Wednesdays); as well as online on YouTube: “waptvchannel.”

This is disclosed by the producer of Superstory TV Drama, Wale Adenuga Jnr., emphasising: “Superstory: Game Boys is a very captivating story which would hook viewers from the very first episode.”

Giving insights into the plot, Adenuga Jnr, said : “The Superstory: ‘Game Boys’ tells the story of Toyin, who dates a renowned internet fraudster, D-Boy, despite warnings from her brother, Ladi. All the while, she believes she is not directly committing any crimes.

“However, she soon finds herself drawn deeper into the dangerous world of cybercrime as her beauty catches the attention of bigger players who are ruthless and diabolical in nature.

“To save the family, Ladi must go to extreme lengths before it is too late.”

In addition to the great production design and the multiple celebrities in it, the programme stands strong on the foundation of a very fascinating story, which is authentically African and relatable to viewers of all ages.

After Superstory recently won the ‘TV Drama of the Year’ award at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA), we promised something extra special, and here it is.