By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on his 92nd birthday, celebrated on July 13, praising the renowned playwright, poet and activist for his outstanding contributions to literature, democracy and good governance in Nigeria and across the world. The President described Soyinka as one of the nation’s greatest intellectuals and a living symbol of courage, justice and resilience.
Tinubu Praises Soyinka’s Lasting Impact
In a statement marking the occasion, Tinubu described Soyinka as an extraordinary personality whose life and achievements have inspired generations of writers, scholars and activists.
According to the President, Soyinka consistently challenged injustice and remained fearless in defending truth and freedom.
“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,” Tinubu said.
President Recalls Soyinka’s Democratic Struggles
Tinubu also reflected on Soyinka’s active role in Nigeria’s fight against military dictatorship and his contributions to the June 12 pro-democracy movement.
The President noted that they both stood on the same side during the struggle to restore democratic governance.
“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 said.
He thanked the literary icon for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria and his continuous guidance on national issues.
“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.”
Tinubu Celebrates Soyinka’s Global Achievements
The President congratulated Soyinka for his remarkable accomplishments as a playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian and advocate of good governance.
Tinubu highlighted Soyinka’s historic achievement in 1986 when he became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
He also acknowledged several international honours received by the literary giant, 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.
President Wishes Soyinka Good Health
Tinubu said Soyinka’s influence on literature, education and human rights remains significant across the world.
He wished the Nobel laureate many more years of good health and continued service to humanity.
“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.
