President Bola Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, as he marked his 91st birthday on Sunday.
Mr Soyinka, a towering figure in literature, activism, and cultural discourse, is widely celebrated for his extraordinary creative talent, evident in his plays, poetry, memoirs, essays, and other artistic works.
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Mr Tinubu highlighted Mr Soyinka’s immense contributions to education, human rights, pro-democracy movements, cultural diplomacy, and nation-building over the decades.
He praised the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986 as a monumental source of inspiration to Nigerians and, in particular, to generations of younger writers who have gone on to achieve both national and global recognition.
Reflecting on their long-standing association, Mr Tinubu acknowledged his personal friendship, collaboration, and shared commitment to national development with the esteemed literary statesman.
Mr Tinubu said, “I rejoice with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on reaching another year and praise his continuing service and contributions to our nation’s development. Professor Soyinka is an uncommon patriot who has continued to demonstrate his undying love for our country.
“Even at the grand old age, he continues to be a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world. We are grateful for his long years of service to Nigeria and humanity.
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“I value my association with Professor Soyinka and several collaborations to advance the progress and development of Nigeria.
“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.”
