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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.

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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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My son wants me to re-marry – Tiwa Savage

Jamil is the only child from Tiwa Savage’s previous marriage to talent manager Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TeeBillz.

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Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has revealed that her son (Jamil Balogun), expressed a strong desire for her to find a husband rather than a “baby daddy.”

The conversation occurred while Savage was engaged in a lighthearted debate with a friend over the physical appeal of British rapper Skepta and actor Aaron Pierre.

As Savage scrolled through social media to show pictures to her friend, she said: “You remember the collaboration thing with Skepta? So, literally, we were talking about him and the whole Aaron Pierre thing. So, I was just like showing… so she was saying to me she doesn’t think Skepta is fine; she thinks Aaron is finer. I was going mad! I was going through his Instagram, and I was showing her like, ‘What about this one?’

According to the singer, Jamil immediately interjects, stating that she should not have a “baby daddy” because she deserves a “husband.”

And then Jamil goes, and he’s like, ‘What’s that? What are you showing her?’ Then I said, ‘My baby daddy,’ and then my son was like, ‘You are not going to have a baby daddy.’ And I am like, ‘Why would you say that?’ He said, ‘Because you deserve a husband.’” She explained.

Jamil is the only child from Tiwa Savage’s previous marriage to talent manager Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TeeBillz.

The pair married in 2013; the marriage was considered one of the biggest celebrity events in the Nigerian entertainment industry at the time. However, the marriage faced significant public challenges and internal friction, leading to a formal separation in 2016.

Since her divorce, Savage’s private life has been a frequent topic of public discussion.

Speculation regarding her relationship status has often linked her to various high-profile figures, including fellow musicians and international collaborators.

Most recently, her creative partnership with Skepta on the track “Gas” fueled rumors of a romance, though neither party confirmed a relationship beyond their professional work.

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Asha Bhosle: Bollywood’s legendary singer dies aged 92

Her death marks the end of an era in Bollywood music – with her career spanning more than eight decades and encompassing more than 12,000 songs

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Photo: Asha Bhosle / Credit: AFP

Asha Bhosle, a legendary Bollywood singer who became a cultural icon, has died aged 92, her son has confirmed.

The unrivalled queen of Indian playback singing died in Mumbai, having been admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Her death marks the end of an era in Bollywood music – with her career spanning more than eight decades and encompassing more than 12,000 songs.

Bhosle’s distinctive voice breathed life into countless film songs as actors lip-synced to her unforgettable tracks.

Bhosle’s distinctive voice breathed life into countless film songs as actors lip-synced to her unforgettable tracks.

(BBC)

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Tuface, Laolu Gbenjo, others set to electrify Vanguard Personality of the Year Award

The 14th edition of the prestigious award ceremony will take place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.

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Afrobeats legend, Tuface Idibia, is set to thrill guests at this year’s Vanguard Personality of the Year Award.

Known for his timeless hits that resonate across generations, the iconic performer is expected to deliver an unforgettable performance featuring his evergreen songs.

Also billed to entertain at the glamorous event is The Laolu Gbenjo Band, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated live music groups. Adding more excitement to the lineup is the Black Edge Performance Troupe.

The 14th edition of the prestigious award ceremony will take place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Interestingly, the event promises to be a night dedicated to celebrating outstanding Nigerians who have excelled in various sectors.

Over the years, Vanguard Personality of the Year Award has grown into one of the country’s most distinguished media recognitions.

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