Tinubu announces new appointment

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday appointed Disun Holloway to lead the newly transformed National Theatre in Lagos, now known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.

The appointment was made to ensure the smooth running and future management of the facility, following a long and expensive renovation process.

The National Theatre had been under renovation for about six years, a project that originally aimed to last nine months.

However, the upgrade took longer than expected due to the level of damage discovered and interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The work was funded with N68 billion provided by the Bankers’ Committee and directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Holloway, who once served as Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, will now head Theatre Partners, the group responsible for managing the centre.

His new role places him at the heart of efforts to breathe life into the upgraded venue, which has been designed to support theatre, music, dance, film, exhibitions, and creative innovation.

The renovated space is expected to serve as more than just a performance hub.

It is being positioned as a driver of job opportunities, cultural exchanges, and tourism growth.

The federal government also wants the centre to help promote Nigerian creativity both locally and abroad.