Wole Soyinka @90: Tinubu Reels Out Circumstances That Linked Him With Nobel Laureate

…Renames National Theatre After Playwright

CHIGOZIE AMADI

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has praised Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday, de­scribing him as one of the finest minds of his generation.

Professor Soyinka, turned 90 today, July 13, 2024.

He is a globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essay­ist, actor, singer, composer, and documentarian.

Tinubu through a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Nge­lale also described Soyinka as a foremost advocate of good gov­ernance and of a fair and just society.

He won the Nobel Prize for lit­erature in 1986 – the first African to win the Prize in that category.

The Nobel Prize Laureate is a recipient of many other reputa­ble awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; Academy of Achieve­ment Golden Plate Award; Anis­field-Wolf Book Award, (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize – (Special Prize).

The Nigerian President said Soyinka conforms to the highest standards of human enlighten­ment, but unyielding to injustice, oppression, and base impulses.

“I salute one of Nigeria’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage, and commends him for his valiant efforts in the trenches for the nation’s future both as a pro-de­mocracy champion and as a tren­chant voice against corruption and maladministration over several decades.

“Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the en­thronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential elec­tion. When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanised opposition in exile through NALICON and NA­DECO. His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore de­mocracy in Nigeria.

“Today, I join the world to cel­ebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been in­spired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dic­tators in our country.

“I am, accordingly, delighted to have the honour to announce the decision of the Federal Gov­ernment to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Cul­ture and the Creative Arts,” the President stated.

He wished him many more years in good health and cre­ative fulfilment as a global force for change.