Tinubu praises Nobel laureate at 91; Soyinka, an inspiration to Nigeria, world
President Bola Tinubu and Prof. Wole Soyinka
Tinubu praises Nobel laureate at 91; Soyinka, an inspiration to Nigeria, world
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 91st birthday, describing the literary icon as an enduring source of inspiration to Nigeria and the world.
The tribute was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu praised the globally acclaimed playwright, poet, and essayist for his lifetime of contributions to literature, human rights, and nation-building, noting that Soyinka remains a towering figure whose influence transcends generations.
“President Bola Tinubu has extended his good wishes to Professor Wole Soyinka, the globally renowned literary icon and Nobel Laureate, as he celebrates his birthday today.
“Professor Soyinka, a well-decorated literary giant, activist, cultural icon, and public intellectual who turns 91, is known for his extraordinary creative and artistic talent, evident in his plays, poems, memoirs, essays, and other artistic productions,” the statement partly read.
The President also acknowledged Soyinka’s decades of involvement in education, cultural diplomacy, and the pro-democracy movement in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu notes the contributions of the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 to education, pro-democracy and human rights movements, cultural diplomacy, and nation-building over the last several decades.
“He describes Professor Soyinka as a massive source of inspiration to Nigerians and, most especially, generations of younger writers worldwide who, on their own, have also attained great national and international prominence,” the statement added.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the literary icon, Tinubu commended Soyinka’s patriotic spirit and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
‘I rejoice with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on reaching another year and praise his continuing service and contributions to our nation’s development.
“Professor Soyinka is an uncommon patriot who has continued to demonstrate his undying love for our country.
“Even at the grand old age, he continues to be a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world. We are grateful for his long years of service to Nigeria and humanity.
‘I value my association with Professor Soyinka and several collaborations to advance the progress and development of Nigeria.
‘On this special day that marks the beginning of the journey into the last decade of his centennial, I wish Professor Wole Soyinka good health and more years in sound mind,” the statement quoted the President to have stated.
Wole Soyinka, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, remains one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures, whose works continue to inspire dialogue and action around issues of justice, identity, and governance.
