President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and literary icon, as he marks his 91st birthday.
Soyinka, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, is regarded globally for his artistic brilliance and bold advocacy for democracy and human rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu described Soyinka as a “massive source of inspiration” to Nigerians and younger writers across the world.
The president said the playwright’s contributions to education, cultural diplomacy, and nation-building span several decades.
His words: “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.”
Tinubu noted his long-standing personal association with Soyinka, adding that their collaborations had helped advance Nigeria’s development.
“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,” he added.
Soyinka, born in 1934, is renowned for his works in drama, poetry and essays, and has remained one of Africa’s most influential public intellectuals.
