'You Are A Gift We Will Always Treasure' – Tinubu Celebrates Soyinka At 92

‘You Are A Gift We Will Always Treasure’ – Tinubu Celebrates Soyinka At 92
President praised Soyinka’s literary achievements and pro-democracy activism spanning several decades.
Tinubu wished the Nobel Laureate continued good health and many more years.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nobel Laureate and renowned literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, describing him as an unwavering advocate of good governance and one of Nigeria’s greatest national treasures.

In a statement marking Soyinka’s birthday on July 13, President Tinubu praised the playwright, poet, essayist and activist for his lifelong commitment to justice, democracy and the advancement of humanity.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the President described Soyinka as an exceptional figure whose influence transcends literature, noting that his courage and willingness to challenge oppression have inspired generations across the world.

“Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation’s literary star, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, July 13.

“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.

“I congratulate this globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and irrepressible advocate of good governance,” Tinubu said.

The President also reflected on Soyinka’s remarkable achievements, including becoming the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. He noted that the literary giant has also received several prestigious international honours, including the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature, the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Europe Theatre Prize Special Prize.

Tinubu further commended Soyinka’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, recalling his resistance to military rule and his participation in the June 12 struggle.

“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.

'You Are A Gift We Will Always Treasure' – Tinubu Celebrates Soyinka At 92 — ‘You Are A Gift We Will Always Treasure’ – Tinubu Celebrates Soyinka At 92

“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.

“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.”