Economy
BREAKING: Tinubu spends N68bn to rename theatre after Soyinka while Nigerians battle hunger
DDM News

(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated the newly refurbished National Theatre in Lagos, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre, in what government officials describe as a landmark cultural renaissance.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the multi-billion naira transformation of the historic theatre was financed by the Bankers’ Committee, costing an estimated N68 billion.
The redevelopment project features modern performance halls, art galleries, and a dedicated creative industry hub designed to promote Nigerian arts and empower young innovators.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu praised the Bankers’ Committee for their commitment to cultural revival and youth empowerment, stressing that Nigeria’s creative industry has the potential to rival global counterparts if properly harnessed.
He described the project as a long overdue rebirth for the National Theatre, which had suffered years of neglect and underutilization.
The National Theatre, constructed in the mid-1970s under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration and completed during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government, was originally designed as Nigeria’s premier venue for the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).
Over the years, however, the once-proud cultural edifice became a shadow of itself, plagued by poor maintenance, mismanagement, and dwindling patronage.
By renaming the facility after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Tinubu said the government intended to immortalize one of Nigeria’s greatest literary icons, whose works and activism have given the nation global recognition.
Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Prize winner in Literature, has remained a towering figure in the struggle for justice, democracy, and cultural identity.
Officials disclosed that the redesigned centre is expected to serve as a hub for tourism, music, theatre, film, and fashion, creating thousands of jobs while stimulating Lagos’ cultural economy.
The project also includes advanced technology installations to support modern productions, with plans for global collaborations between Nigerian creatives and international counterparts.
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s art, music, and literary communities applauded the move, hailing it as a symbolic recognition of the power of culture in nation-building.
Some described it as a fitting tribute to Soyinka’s enduring legacy, while others said it would inspire a new generation of Nigerian creatives to embrace the arts as a viable economic sector.
Observers note that Tinubu’s administration has placed increased emphasis on diversifying Nigeria’s economy through the creative and tourism sectors, with the National Theatre’s rebirth standing as a flagship project.
For residents of Lagos, the unveiling of the Wole Soyinka Centre marks not just a physical transformation of a building but also a hopeful turning point in Nigeria’s cultural story.
(DDM) – The Managing Director of FairMoney Microfinance Bank Nigeria, Henry Obiekea, has called for a nationwide push towards fair and inclusive digital finance.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Obiekea made the statement during a recent financial sector forum attended by industry leaders, regulators, and government officials.
He emphasized that digital financial inclusion is a key driver for Nigeria to achieve the $1 trillion economic agenda outlined by the current administration.
Obiekea explained that the adoption of technology-driven banking services can accelerate economic growth by increasing access to credit, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He noted that despite Nigeria’s large population, a significant portion of citizens remain unbanked or underbanked, limiting their participation in the formal economy.
“Digital financial services must reach every Nigerian, regardless of location or income level,” Obiekea stated.
He highlighted that mobile banking, fintech platforms, and other innovative financial solutions can help bridge gaps in economic participation and drive productivity across sectors.
The FairMoney MD urged policymakers to implement supportive regulations that enable fintech growth while protecting consumers and ensuring system security.
According to him, collaboration between traditional banks, fintech companies, and government agencies is essential to create a resilient, inclusive digital economy.
Obiekea also stressed that financial literacy programs are crucial to empower Nigerians to take full advantage of digital financial tools.
He pointed out that digital access not only improves personal financial management but also boosts government revenue through broader tax compliance and formal sector engagement.
DDM reports that Obiekea’s call aligns with the administration’s economic diversification strategy, which prioritizes technology, innovation, and financial inclusion as pillars for sustainable growth.
Industry observers note that expanding digital finance can help Nigeria unlock new markets, attract foreign investment, and enhance the efficiency of domestic trade and payments systems.
Obiekea concluded by urging stakeholders to act swiftly, warning that failure to embrace digital financial inclusion could slow the nation’s progress toward achieving the $1 trillion economy target.
He expressed optimism that with coordinated effort, Nigeria can harness technology to transform its financial landscape and create opportunities for millions of citizens.
(DDM) – Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), in partnership with the Digital Assets Management Academy (DAMA), has announced the continuation of its weekly online discussion series titled Blockchain World 2.0.
The upcoming edition, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, will explore the topic “Is the 2025 Crypto Bullrun Over?” in what promises to be one of the most engaging blockchain conversations of the year.
DDM corespondent Amaechi okoro confirmed that the live program will begin at 11:00 a.m. Nigeria Time and 11:00 GMT, streaming simultaneously on Zoom and the official DDM YouTube Channel.
According to the organizers, the episode will analyze current trends in the global cryptocurrency market, recent fluctuations in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices, and the factors that may determine whether the ongoing bullrun has reached its end or merely paused.
Participants are expected to include blockchain educators, investors, developers, and policy analysts from across Africa, Europe, and North America.
The session will also examine the growing role of regulatory frameworks, the influence of institutional investors, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence and tokenized assets on the digital economy.
The Zoom meeting details have been made public to ensure open participation:
🔹 Meeting ID: 870 8562 4072
🔹 Passcode: 871871
🔹 Join Link: Click to Join
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87085624072?pwd=t3LNMzrRHuMzoYDABHzPbWXI6go9Ez.1
In addition to live interaction on Zoom, DDM confirmed that the event will be streamed live on YouTube via the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) channel.
The channel has become a hub for digital knowledge-sharing, focusing on blockchain education, digital transformation, financial literacy, and innovation across Africa’s emerging economies.
Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the DDM YouTube Channel for real-time notifications and updates whenever the weekly program goes live.
👉🏾 https://youtube.com/@ddmtvnews
The weekly Blockchain World 2.0 series has grown into a consistent platform for digital asset dialogue, bridging the gap between technology and policy while inspiring young Africans to explore blockchain’s potential beyond cryptocurrency trading.
The partnership between DDM and DAMA reflects a shared vision of empowering digital citizens with practical knowledge, policy insights, and exposure to global innovations in fintech, data governance, and asset tokenization.
Organizers noted that this week’s topic, “Is the 2025 Crypto Bullrun Over?”, is particularly timely given the recent volatility in the global crypto market following shifting liquidity patterns and evolving investor confidence.
Experts will provide projections on future price trends, decentralized finance (DeFi) developments, and the sustainability of blockchain adoption in Nigeria’s and Africa’s financial ecosystems.
The hosts encouraged professionals, students, and enthusiasts to participate actively by asking questions, sharing market experiences, and contributing to discussions that can influence Africa’s digital future.
The Blockchain World 2.0 series continues every Wednesday at the same time, offering reliable, research-driven insights into blockchain technology and the future of financial systems worldwide.
(DDM) – The Nigerian Naira opened the new week on a relatively stable note in the parallel market, maintaining its position against the United States dollar after a brief appreciation last week.
According to data obtained by Investors King from major Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in Lagos and Abuja, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate stood at ₦1,450 per dollar for buying and ₦1,460 per dollar for selling as of Monday, November 10th, 2025.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the Naira’s resilience is being supported by increased remittance inflows, steady oil revenue, and reduced speculative trading across major trading centers.
Market analysts said steady dollar supply from oil exports and diaspora remittances has helped meet forex demand and stabilize liquidity in the market.
Between Friday, November 7th and Monday, November 10th, the Naira appreciated by ₦10, moving from ₦1,450 to ₦1,460 in the black market.
BDC traders attributed the sustained balance to consistent inflows from remittances, improved foreign exchange circulation, and moderate import-related demand.
However, official rates from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remain higher, reflecting the persistent disparity between official and black-market values, a long-standing structural challenge in the Nigerian forex landscape.
Experts say the stability in the Naira’s value can be traced to five major factors:
1. Improved Dollar Supply – Driven by oil exports and steady diaspora inflows.
2. Reduced Speculation – CBN’s strict oversight has curbed panic buying.
3. Moderate Dollar Demand – Import activities have slightly declined.
4. Stable Oil Prices – Brent crude holding around $85 per barrel strengthens reserves.
5. Improved Confidence – Renewed faith in the government’s monetary management.
Economically, this steady exchange rate is a mixed blessing. Importers and consumers benefit from lower import costs, potentially easing inflation pressures.
Investors also gain short-term confidence from forex stability, while students and travelers find tuition and travel expenses more manageable.
However, financial experts caution that long-term stability will depend on sustained non-oil export growth, increased foreign investments, and bridging the gap between the official and black-market rates.
Looking ahead, analysts forecast that the Naira will trade between ₦1,445 and ₦1,465 per dollar in the coming days if the current fundamentals remain unchanged.
This outlook signals cautious optimism for Nigeria’s economy as it navigates the pressures of inflation, forex demand, and global oil market volatility.
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