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President Tinubu To Inaugurate Renovated National Arts Theatre On Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary

 

As part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, officially inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The historic project, executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their commitment to giving back to the nation, marks a bold investment in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative future.

 

President Tinubu, who in July 2024 renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate, will lead a distinguished gathering of state governors, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, academics, cultural ambassadors, and youth leaders.

 

In a joint statement, the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy underscored the theatre’s reopening as both a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and a launchpad for its creative industries. While the renovation was financed and delivered by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, the Ministry’s partnership in programming, policy alignment, and stewardship of Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem ensures that the rejuvenated National Theatre will serve as a truly national asset.

 

The reopening will feature performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists, along with special remarks from Prof. Wole Soyinka. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso will deliver the welcome address, with goodwill messages from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

 

Upgrades to the facility meet the highest global standards for theatre and performance. Key improvements include a completely overhauled HVAC system, enhanced fire safety measures, new electrical, water, and sewage systems, advanced audio-video-lighting technology, world-class stage engineering, 17 new passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of historic artworks across the façade and interiors.

 

Ahead of the inauguration, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso noted: “This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture. The transformation of this landmark into a world-class facility is a testament to the Nigerian spirit.”

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu added: “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only showcase arts, tourism, and culture, but will also serve as a world-class venue for global conferences and performances.”

 

Minister Hannatu Musawa described the project as “a gift to the nation and a source of pride. The successful renovation of the National Theatre marks a milestone in our collective effort to preserve cultural assets while creating new opportunities for the creative industry.”

 

Originally constructed under the Yakubu Gowon military regime and completed in 1976 under General Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Theatre famously hosted FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. With this transformation, it now stands ready to host the next era of Nigeria’s cultural and creative renaissance.

CBN Governor Champions Next-Gen Leadership With New National Lecture Series

 

CBN Governor champions next-gen leadership with new national lecture series  - Worldstage

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will deliver a landmark lecture at Lagos Business School on Friday, October 3, 2025. The lecture, titled “Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy & Nation Building,” marks the launch of the CBN Governor’s Lecture Series, the first in a series of thought-leadership discourses to be held in collaboration with leading tertiary institutions across the country over the next three years.

This inaugural edition also commemorates the second anniversary of Team Cardoso’s leadership at the Central Bank of Nigeria, a period defined by renewed focus on price stability, institutional transparency, and anchoring monetary policy to the everyday realities of Nigerians.

The Governor’s Lecture Series, part of Mr. Cardoso’s broader Knowledge Acceleration and Thought Leadership Initiative, is central to the CBN’s strategy of deepening public understanding and strengthening the transmission of monetary policy. It aims to foster dialogue, promote innovation, and advance an inclusive financial system that works for all Nigerians, while positioning the country as a leader on both the African and global stages.

Since assuming office in September 2023, Mr. Cardoso has consistently emphasized linking central banking to the daily realities of citizens. He has stressed that the Bank’s core mandate, safeguarding price stability, is essential to driving sustainable economic growth and protecting livelihoods.

“Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, where technology, global financial realignments, and the energy of its youthful population are reshaping its economic future. Innovation must be harnessed intentionally and confidently, particularly by institutions like the CBN,” Cardoso noted in an earlier engagement.

The lecture is expected to attract senior policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and students, underscoring the crucial role of monetary policy in fostering stability, growth, and national development.

Nigerian Insurers Set To Host 250 Delegates For 2025 WAICA Conference In Lagos 

The Nigerian Insurance Industry is set to host no fewer than 250 foreign and local delegates for the 2025 West Africa Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) Education Conference, scheduled to take place from Sunday, 12 October to Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
This year’s conference, organized by the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) with the theme “The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change,” will bring together insurance practitioners, regulators, policymakers, and thought leaders representing countries across the West African sub-region.
Member countries of WAICA, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, will be represented, making the conference a truly regional platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration.
The conference will provide a strategic platform for deliberations on the impact of climate change on the insurance industry, as well as actionable strategies to safeguard the future of insurance education and practice.
It is particularly important for African insurers to engage in robust discussions on climate change, as the continent faces unique vulnerabilities such as extreme weather events, flooding, drought, and agricultural disruptions that directly impact businesses, communities, and livelihoods.
For insurers, these challenges translate into rising claims, increased risk exposures, and the urgent need for innovative products and risk management strategies. By coming together at the WAICA conference, African insurers not only strengthen their collective preparedness but also position themselves to engage competitively with their global counterparts in shaping sustainable insurance practices and climate resilience solutions.
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s most vibrant megacities, was carefully selected as the host destination of the conference for its unique blend of business dynamism, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality infrastructure. With its strategic role as a financial hub, Lagos provides an ideal environment for fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange among West Africa’s insurance community.
On Sunday, 12 October 2025, the WAICA 2025 conference will begin with a Cocktail Welcome Reception at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, in Lagos.
The Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has confirmed to deliver the keynote address at the Opening Ceremony of the conference on Monday, 13 October 2025, while Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is the Chief Host.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2025 WAICA Education Conference has assembled an array of eminent local and international insurance industry leaders, dignitaries, and technical experts who will speak on and critically dissect the theme and various sub-themes of the conference.
These include:
Dr. Abiba Zakaria, Ag. Commissioner of Insurance, Ghana
Mr. Wole Oshin, Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc
Mr. Bockarie Kaloko, Deputy Minister of Finance, Republic of Sierra Leone
Ms. Tola Adegbayi, MD/CEO, Mutual Specialist
Following the paper presentations, three panel sessions will be held and chaired respectively by:
Mr. O.S. Thomas, Former Commissioner for Insurance, NAICOM
Alhaji Mohammed Kari, Former Commissioner for Insurance (NAICOM)/Wazirin, Bauchi
Ms. Olamipo Adeola, Head, Corporate Communication & Branding, Scib Nigeria & Co. Ltd.
Other programme highlights of the conference include:
Monday Evening Soiree – On 13 October 2025, Sponsored by Africa Reinsurance Corporation, at Eko Hotel & Suites.
Closing Dinner Ceremony – Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at Eko Hotel & Suites, sponsored by WAICA Reinsurance Corporation, at Eko Hotel & Suites.
Visit to Tourist Sites/ Departure – Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
The LOC have put in place adequate arrangements for the transportation and security of foreign delegates and other participants at the conference to ensure a seamless and safe experience throughout their stay in Lagos.
The 2025 WAICA Education Conference promises to be a landmark event, reinforcing regional cooperation and highlighting the critical role of insurers in responding to climate challenges while offering delegates a unique opportunity to experience the dynamism of Lagos.
Smart, NEM Chairman Applauds NAIPE On Award, Pledges Continuous Commitment To Insurance Growth

 

 

 

The chairman of NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Tope Smart has appauded the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors(NAIPE) for deeming him of deserving an Award of Excellence.

 

Tope Smart was one of the 5 Awardees of NAIPE Award of Excellence and Stewardship for the impact he made, not only in Nigeria but at the continental level as the past president of the African Insurance Organisation(AIO). Aside being the past group managing director/CEO.of NEM Insurance Plc, he was also the past chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), among others. In all these, Smart distinguished himself as exceptional operator and a friend and supporter of insurance journalists.

 

While receiving the award when the 2025 NAIPE Conference Committee members presented it to him. In his office in Obanikoro, Lagos at the weekend, Smart said, the accolade is a message for him to do more to ensure Insurance takes its rightful place in the national polity and discourse.

 

According to him, “I have a personal philosophy that what is worth doing is worth doing well. What shaped my perception was the derogatory image at which our Head of department in the University created about insurance companies in Nigeria then.

 

“He had highest regards for foreign insurers and disregard the local ones. From that moment, I decided that I must make a difference. So, when I joined the industry, I tried my best to be able to change the narrative.”

 

Referencing the NEM Building that has now become the face of Insurance on Ikorodu Road, he said; “the NEM building on Ikorodu road was built without any bank loan to the glory of God and it has become the envy of others.”

 

While apprecating every member of NAIPE, he said, he and the group have come a long way together.

 

“I run a business and I know it’s not easy to run a business. So, for you guys, especially, those who runs their media platforms, to be there with tenacity, despite all the struggles in the business operating environment, and still making a difference, it is commendable and I will continue to support your projects in a joint effort to develop insurance industty,” he pointed out.

 

On her part, the chairman of NAIPE, Mrs. Nkechi Naeche Esezobor appreciated the support and partnership of Mr. Tope Smart and his company, NEM Insurance over the years, saying, the group never took them for granted.

 

“This building(NEM Insurance) was what made many insurance companies to start making their building big. Every company coming in is looking at doing what NEM did because you have challenged them.

 

“Your efforts can never be in vain. As an association, we feel it is good to recognise people when they are alive. We appreciate what you have done for the industry and we felt we need to appreciate this feat in our 10th anniversary of organising our annual conference,” she noted.

 

Meanwhile, the chairman, 2025 NAIPE Annual Conference, Mr. Roland Okoro said, Mr. Tope Smart tick all the boxes when assessing the personalities to be awarded, calling on him not to rest on his oars towards deepening insurance acceptance, penetration and recognition.