President Bola Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to Nobel Laureate professor Wole Soyinka as the globally celebrated literary icon turns 91.
In a statement on Sunday, President Tinubu praised Soyinka for his lifelong contributions to literature, education, human rights and nation-building, describing him as “an uncommon patriot” and a source of inspiration to generations of Nigerians and writers around the world.
“Professor Soyinka is 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,” Tinubu said.
The president also highlighted his personal connection to the iconic playwright, saying, “I value my association with Professor Soyinka and several collaborations to advance the progress and development of Nigeria.”
“I rejoice with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on reaching another year and praise his continuing service and contributions to our nation’s development. Even at the grand old age, he continues to be a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world,” Tinubu added.
He concluded with a personal note, “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.”
Professor Soyinka became the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986.
His career spans decades of creative writing, activism and intellectual engagement, with an extensive body of work that includes plays, poetry, memoirs and essays.
Tinubu renamed the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts last year to celebrate the Nobel Laureate’s 90th birthday.
