Key points
- President Tinubu has congratulated Prof. Wole Soyinka on his 92nd birthday.
- The President described the Nobel laureate as a global icon and Nigeria’s literary star.
- Tinubu praised Soyinka’s lifelong advocacy for justice, democracy and good governance.
- He acknowledged Soyinka’s influence on generations of writers, scholars and activists.
Main story
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, describing him as a global icon whose contributions to literature, democracy and social justice have earned him lasting national and international recognition.
In a personally signed statement issued on Sunday, the President described Soyinka as an exceptional personality whose courage, intellect and lifelong advocacy for justice have inspired generations.
“Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation, men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours.
“They are not afraid to go against convention and do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice,” Tinubu said.
The President congratulated the playwright, novelist, poet, essayist and advocate of good governance on attaining the milestone.
Tinubu recalled Soyinka’s historic achievement as the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986.
He also highlighted the literary icon’s international honours, including the Benson Medal, the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The President paid tribute to Soyinka’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggles, particularly his opposition to military rule and his involvement in the June 12 pro-democracy movement.
“I 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.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu thanked Soyinka for his continued faith in Nigeria and his contributions to national discourse through his writings and public interventions.
He said Soyinka’s literary works and activism had left an enduring impact on writers, scholars and advocates of justice across the world.
“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,” the President added.
The issues
Prof. Wole Soyinka remains one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures and public intellectuals. Beyond his literary achievements, he has played a prominent role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, consistently advocating human rights, good governance and freedom of expression.
What’s being said
“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.” — President Bola Tinubu
What’s next
Soyinka’s 92nd birthday is expected to be marked with tributes and celebrations from literary institutions, public officials and admirers in Nigeria and around the world.
Bottom line
Tinubu’s tribute underscores Prof. Wole Soyinka’s enduring legacy as a literary giant, democracy advocate and one of Nigeria’s most influential public intellectuals.
