By Olawale Lamina
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, stating that he is one of Nigeria’s “living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage.”
In a statement on Sunday, ahead of Soyinka’s birthday on July 13, ( Monday) the President praised the playwright, poet and activist for his numerous contributions to literature, democracy and the fight against oppression.
President Tinubu described Wole Soyinka as an exceptional individual whose life and works had inspired generations across the world.
He said: “Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation—men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, who are not afraid to go against convention, and who do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice.”
He congratulated Soyinka on his achievements as a playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian and advocate of good governance.
“I recall his winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to win the Prize in that category, as well as many other reputable awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize (Special Prize).”
President Tinubu equally reflected on Soyinka’s contributions to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, particularly his opposition to military regime in the country.
“I also recall Professor Soyinka’s valiant struggle against military dictatorship for decades, and his efforts in the June 12 struggle, for which we were both in the trenches,” he stated.
Tinubu appreciated what he regarded as Soyinka’s continued presence as a national asset and thanked him for his commitment to Nigeria and his counsel.
“Today, I salute one of our nation’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage. That he is with us is a gift we will always treasure. I thank him for his undying faith in the Nigerian project and wise counsel.”
He stressed that the poet’s influence on contemporary writers, scholars and activists remained enduring and wished him many more years in good health.
He said: “As he marks this birthday, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists, as well as his sacrifices for our nation. I wish ‘Kongi’ many more years in excellent health.”
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