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  • Soyinka to youths: leverage art, creativity for nation-building

    Soyinka to youths: leverage art, creativity for nation-building

    • British High Commission, Otti celebrate Nobel Laureate at 90

    Nobel Laureate and global literary icon, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has advised youths to add value to nation-building through deliberate and intentional effort in art and creative innovations.

    The Nobel Laureate spoke at an event organised in his honour by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos State in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) on his 90th birthday.

    He said: “Young people can significantly contribute to nation-building by cultivating the habit of curiosity. It begins with questioning and looking beyond the surface of things, which leads to creating alternative perspectives and innovative solutions. Young Nigerians aspiring to make a difference must also recognise the importance of building a supportive team that shares their vision.

    “Understanding community responsibility and leveraging collective skills can transform simple ideas into impactful innovations. Always remember that individual and collective curiosity, supported by a nurturing community, leads to meaningful contributions.”

    Tagged: A Creative Evening with Wole Soyinka, the event, which held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, brought together public officials, corporate executives, diplomats, youth leaders and others.

    The dignitaries interacted with the Nobel Laureate as he shared his ideas about good governance and nation-building.

    The event featured youth creative expressions in poetry, fine art, music, fashion and cultural displays.

    There was also a captivating fireside chat tagged: “Youth Engagement towards Nation-Building and Good Governance” during the event.

    An opening of the “NINE Seasons of Wole Soyinka” exhibition, which spanned the laureate’s illustrious legacy from 1934 to the present time, highlighted his contributions to art, culture, humanity, youth development and the struggle for freedom and justice.

    Each of the nine paintings symbolised a different aspect of Soyinka’s life and work, reflecting his brilliance and establishing him as a global icon.

    British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter said the Nigerian art has the potential to drive the country’s economy for needed growth, if the government could give it adequate attention.

    He said: “I am pleased to host this creative evening with Wole Soyinka, to celebrate the immense legacy of a great literary icon whose contributions have profoundly impacted youth engagement in the Nigerian creative sector.

    Read Also: British High Commission, Otti celebrate Soyinka

    “Nigeria’s creative economy holds immense potential for driving economic growth, fostering cultural diversity, and empowering communities across the country. The UK Government is committed to a strategic partnership of lasting mutual benefit with Nigeria, which is why we recently delivered two creative trade missions focused on film, TV, fashion retail and beauty to help drive this sector and expand the UK-Nigeria trade relationship, which has blossomed in recent years.”

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who joined the event virtually, praised the commission for honouring Prof. Soyinka who he described as “the needed light for youth towards nation-building”.

    He said: “Youth engagement is crucial for achieving good governance in Nigeria. With 70 per cent of our population being youths, ignoring them in policy-making means ignoring the majority, which is dangerous for any economy.

    “In Abia, we have initiated a N1 billion cooperative support fund to empower youth-led enterprises, and dedicated 20 per cent of our 2024 budget to education. We must be deliberate and intentional in supporting our young people to ensure they are prepared to compete in the global economy.”

  • British High Commission, Otti celebrate Soyinka

    British High Commission, Otti celebrate Soyinka

    The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos State, in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, (WSICE), has celebrated the literary icon at 90.

    Tagged ‘A Creative Evening with Wole Soyinka’, the event, held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence in Lagos, brought together public officials, corporate executives, diplomats, youth leaders, and others, who interacted with the Nobel Laureate as he shared his ideas about good governance and nation-building.

    The event featured youth creative expressions in poetry, fine art, music, fashion, and cultural displays, and a captivating fireside chat on ‘Youth Engagement towards Nation-building and Good Governance’.

    There was also the opening of the ‘NINE Seasons of Wole Soyinka’ exhibition, which spans the laureate’s illustrious legacy from 1934 to the present, highlighting his contributions to art, culture, humanity, youth development, and the struggle for freedom and justice.

    Each of the nine paintings symbolized a different aspect of Soyinka’s life and work, reflecting his brilliance and establishing him as a global icon.

    British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, noted that Nigerian art has the potential to drive the country’s economy for needed growth if the government gives it adequate attention. He added that the British Commission will collaborate to ensure the success of the Creative Industry.

    He said: “I am pleased to host this creative evening with Wole Soyinka, to celebrate the immense legacy of a great literary icon whose contributions have profoundly impacted youth engagement in the Nigerian creative sector.

    Read Also: Corruption deeply eating our society from top to bottom – Soyinka

    “Nigeria’s creative economy holds immense potential for driving economic growth, fostering cultural diversity, and empowering communities across the country. The UK Government is committed to a strategic partnership of lasting mutual benefit with Nigeria, which is why we recently delivered two creative trade missions focused on film, TV, fashion retail, and beauty to help drive this sector and expand the UK-Nigeria trade relationship, which has blossomed in recent years.”

    Abia state governor Alex Otti, who joined the event virtually, praised the Commission for honouring Prof. Soyinka, whom he described ‘as the needed light for youth towards nation-building’.

    He said: “Youth engagement is crucial for achieving good governance in Nigeria. With 70 percent of our population being youths, ignoring them in policy-making means ignoring the majority, which is dangerous for any economy.

    “In Abia, we have initiated a N1 billion cooperative support fund to empower youth-led enterprises, and dedicated 20 percent of our 2024 budget to education. We must be deliberate and intentional in supporting our young people to ensure they are prepared to compete in the global economy.”

    Soyinka, in his response, admonished youths to take the future of Nigeria now by adding value through deliberate and intentional effort in art and creative innovations. , He said: “Young people can significantly contribute to nation-building by cultivating the habit of curiosity. It begins with questioning and looking beyond the surface of things, which leads to creating alternative perspectives and innovative solutions. Young Nigerians aspiring to make a difference must also recognise the importance of building a supportive team that shares their vision.

    “Understanding community responsibility and leveraging collective skills can transform simple ideas into impactful innovations. Always remember that individual and collective curiosity, supported by a nurturing community, leads to meaningful contributions.”

    Project Director of ‘Wole Soyinka at 90’, Foluke Michael, said the journey to Prof Wole Soyinka’s grand celebration began in May 2024 with the African I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y project, featuring ‘90 Poems, 90 Locations in 9 Countries’, a poetry roadshow across nine countries, and “The Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka’, which began with a live painting in Italy.

    She added: “The celebration of Soyinka’s legacy continues even beyond July 31. Over the next nine months, the ‘Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka’ exhibition will tour the world, both physically and virtually. It aims to bring the global humanist’s impact to a global audience, inspiring future generations and cementing his legacy in the annals of history.”

  • Corruption deeply eating society from top to bottom – Soyinka

    Corruption deeply eating society from top to bottom – Soyinka

    Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has expressed concerns over the level of corruption in the society, saying the cankerworm is deeply it from the top to the bottom.

    Soyinka said that the drive to fight the deadly malaise formed one of the motives for establishing Pyrates Confraternity 62 years ago.

    According to him, without attitudinal change and readiness of Nigerians to begin to do the right thing, winning the war against pervasive corruption will  remain an impossible task.

    The world renowned scholar spoke at the 26th annual Wole Soyinka Lectures organised by National Association of Seadogs otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity to mark the 90th birthday of Soyinka.

    The lecture at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta had as its theme “The baby or the bathwater: Navigating the dark tunnels of systemic corruption to nationhood” with the former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola as guest lecturer. 

    The Nobel Laurette noted that the challenge of corruption is such that run from the top to the bottom in Nigeria and that only decision of every citizen to change for good that can help halt its deadly march in the country 

    He said: “The particular aspect of this lecture that struck me is corruption, corruption is not just when you change money, it is a cankerworm that eats deep into the fabric of the society from the top to the bottom and corrupts our very nature, our very existence. 

    “And one aspect of the lecture emphasised that cure for the corruption begins from the inside. Yes, we can talk about institution, government, we can talk about exercise of power unfairly, inordinately to the disadvantage of the rest of the community and all that as part of corruption but ultimately, the solution, short term, immediate and long term must begin from the inside and this is one of the motives for establishing Pyrates Confraternity 62 years ago.”

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    Soyinka cleared the misconceptions people have about Pyrates Confraternity, saying it is a registered association and not blood-thirsty secret cult.

    He explained it is founded to push for justice and advance a better nation..

    He lauded the members of the association for organising the event and urged them to continue to push for the ideal of social justice and good governance which is the core mandate of the association.

    Soyinka with the former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyawu later unveiled a book “Ship Ahoy” written to document 60 years history of the confraternity.

    Fashola described Soyinka as not a only gift to the country, the continent but also the entire civilisation.

    Speaking on the theme of the lecture, the former Minister of Works and Housing

    said while corruption in terms of pecuniary gains is no doubt reprehensible, the displacement of African highly cherished moral values remains the worst form of corruption.

    The former Governor said that for instance, the number of lives lost on roads every month as a result of wrong attitude and values is far more than what is lost to the insecurity which everyone complain about in the country.

    He said: “When I was in office as a Minister, the Federal Road Safety Corps usually made copies of the monthly reports on road crashes available to me, the report is actually for the office of the Secretary General of the Federation but I used to get a copy.

    “In October 2022, a total of 1111 road crashes was reported across the country out of which 449 died representing 6% of 6458 people involved in the accident with 2780  injured. The analysis showed a 3% decrease when compared with the previous month but 10% increase when compared with the figure for October 2021..

    “This goes to show that an average of 400 people is lost monthly to road crashes in the country but I doubt if the insecurity which is always an issue during campaign is responsible for huge loss of lives like this every month in the country”.

    He said further analysis showed that speed violation accounted for 51.7% of the accident, fatigue is responsible for 15%, sign rules violation 5.8%, dangerous driving 5.4%, while route violation is responsible 4.5% of the accident.

    Fashola said that out of 1613 vehicles involved in the accident, cars constituted 469 representing 29.5% and that 66% of these cars were those being used for commercial purposes.

    The former Governor argued that the carnage has remained unabated on our roads not because of bad roads but because out of corruption of values people have neglected adhering to highway codes.

    He said: “Many people don’t even know the high way codes, they don’t drive with certificated driver’s licence, many don’t even know that the road is a shared asset, many don’t give regard to the speed limit, these are all corruption that are making the slaughter to continue on our roads”.

    Fashola said as way out “people must embrace attitudinal change, the people must embrace recertification of their driver’s licence and training, people must respect the traffic rules to stop this disturbing waste of life and properties”.

  • U.S-based lawyer greets  Soyinka at 90, recalls NADECO days

    U.S-based lawyer greets  Soyinka at 90, recalls NADECO days

    united-based lawyer and Public Affairs commentator,  Chief Owolabi Salis, has greeted Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka at 90, describing him ‘‘not only as an enigma, but an enigma among enigmas, and a riddle that staggers and defeats the imagination.”

    In a statement, he noted Soyinka’s prodigious feat transcends literary greatness, embracing  agitation for liberty, equity, justice and social order.

    Silas said the playwright’s exploits  in literary depth is comparable with the literary prodigy, William Shakespeare. “Back home, at my base in the U.S., I was privileged to witness his relentless struggle in when he took on the Abacha military. I was part of the team, led by Chief Jumoke Ogunkeyede, who made a persuasive presentation to New York City government to rename ‘‘44th Street “on “Second Ave,” to bear “Kudirat Abiola corner”, a name which we deemed just as a tribute to Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was gunned down during the dark days of military tyranny.

    “Ogunkeyede’s house was attacked by  agents of the military tyrant. The military attache to Nigerian House at the time now serves under President Bola Tinubu.

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    “President Tinubu’s administration symbolises the first time members of old NADECO vanguard, who struggled for the prevailing order of civilian democracy will be in charge and for this reason, I am worried people like Chief Ogunkeyede, Alex Kaba and others are really not acknowledged and accorded the honor they deserve’’.

    He said: “In the ensemble of Nobel Laureates, Soyinka  is unique in terms of his staggering achievements that defy time and space in terms of their limitless impact to affect  and advance the ethical order of humanity.

    “However, Soyinka’s cutting edge, as corroborated by the Nobel awardees consists in his acumen in exploiting his works, which ”in a wide cultural perspective, and with poetic overtones, fashions the drama of existence.’’

    “It is apparent  Soyinka illustrates a quintessential typification of the debt which the writer owes the society, not only as conscience of society but also as a model and pace-setter, inspiring a dynamic progression on the ideal way forward.’’

  • Salis pays tribute to Soyinka at 90

    Salis pays tribute to Soyinka at 90

    A U.S-based lawyer and public affairs commentator, Owolabi Salis, has paid  tribute to Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. 

    He described Soyinka as an enigma among enigmas, and a riddle that staggers and defeats the imagination.

    In a statement, he noted that Soyinka’s prodigious feat is such that transcends the confines of literary greatness, embracing the all-encompassing agitation for liberty, equity, justice and an egalitarian socio-political order.

    According to the U.S.based lawyer and celebrated social reformer, the playwright’s exploits in terms of amazing literary depth and fecundity is only comparable with the literary prodigy of the European wordsmith, William Shakespeare.

    He said: “In the ensemble of Nobel Laureates, Soyinka emerges distinctly unique and unequalled in terms of his staggering all-time achievements that defy time and space in terms of their limitless impact to affect  and advance the ethical order of humanity  to a greater frontier of  civilization.

    “However, Soyinka’s cutting edge,as amply corroborated by the panel of Nobel awardees consists in his remarkable acumen in exploiting his works, which”in a wide cultural perspective,and with poetic overtones,fashions the drama of existence.

    “From the fore-going it is apparent  that Soyinka illustrates a quintessential typification of the debt which the writer owes the society, not only as the conscience of the society but also as a model and pace-setter, inspiring a dynamic progression on the ideal way forward. 

    “Back home here,at my base in the U.S.I was privileged as a first-hand witness of his relentless struggle in which he took on the Abacha military. I was part of the team led by Chief Jumoke Ogunkeyede, who made a strongly persuasive presentation to the New York City government to rename” 44th Street “on “Second Ave,”to bear “Kudirat Abiola corner”, a new name which we deemed only just and necessary,as a befitting tribute to the heroic role of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who in an unmitigated act of savagery, was gunned down, in the struggle for liberty during the dark days of military tyranny,casting an ominous pall on the national space. 

    “I remembered many prominent people who testified at the New York City Council then,which included Baba Wole Soyinka, Baba Enahoro, Walter Carrington, Hafsat Abiola, late Mayor Dickins, General Alani Akinrinade and and also some human rights groups.

    “Chief Jumoke Ogunkeye’s house was attacked by  agents of the incumbent military tyrant at that time. The military attache to the Nigerian House at the time in question, is currently serving under the Tinubu regime.

    “President Tinubu’s regime actually symbolises the first time that members of the old NADECO vanguard,who actually struggled for the prevailing order of civilian democracy will be in charge and for this particular reason, I am really worried that people like Chief Jumoke Ogunkeyede, Alex Okiemute Kaba and many others are really not acknowledged and accorded the proper honor they deserve,in appreciation of their patriotic roles at that time,although for obvious reason of modesty, I refuse to argue for myself.

    Read Also: Wọlé Soyinka: Àlùjọ̀nú oníbọn ìléwọ́ gun àkàsọ̀ aadọrun ọdún lókè eèpẹ̀. 2

    “Mr. President knew some of these people who almost paid with their lives, during that turbulent moment of darkness,even by name.

    “To me, Soyinka is a living deity.Were it to be in the olden days,Soyinka would have literally been worshipped,just like the Sango or Ogun deities among others in the pantheons of Yoruba gods who were humans like anyone of us,but elevated to the towering height of god-head on account of their prodigious superhuman accomplishment during their eventful stay on the earthly divide.

    “It is my prayer that Baba Soyinka would live with us here to celebrate a much awaited grand centenary and possibly even beyond a centenary,” Salis prayed.

  • WS@90: How `Soyinka ‘tantalises’ women

    WS@90: How `Soyinka ‘tantalises’ women

    “Hello Babes! “Our own WS is 90,” hollered Sexy Jola from the front of her flat, disrupting our Saturday morning reading under the Ebelebo Tree.

    It was the morning marking the birthday of widely-celebrated poet, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and the Women’s Corner crew was out to celebrate him. As the estate executives were planning their literary activities commemorating the day, we were also prepared. Towards the end of June, we had agreed that we would dedicate each Saturday in July to reading his works. So, each of us was asked to come with any of his works to share: and we were also free to recite poems from any of his collections. And this we began to do from the first Saturday of this month. We also shared our experiences reading from his work that resonated with us.

    “I hope you ladies have not started without me; I no go gree o!” Sexy Jola called out as she reached our gathering under the tree, just when I was settling down to read from Aké: The Years of Childhood. She was wearing a very lovely sweat suit but it was the book or rather books she had in hand that caught my attention. “Ah-ah Jolaolu! So you, too, dey read?” asked Tinu, who was eyeing Jola’s hand. She was holding Bookcraft’s collections of Soyinka’s essays, perhaps to show to us that she is also a fan of the nonagenarian poet.

    “You think say na only una like book or our own Wole Soyinka. There is something about Baba that tantalises a girl’s senses,” a smiling Jola said as she took her seat by a shocked Barrister Ada.

    “What do you mean by that, Jola? ‘Tantalise?’ How?” Seeing the look on our faces, Jola explained, “I mean his books! His books tantalise my senses. I haven’t read most of his poems, but I have read his memoirs and his essays. I don’t know about you but he has a way of drawing you in with his words. That was why I was so excited when you girls came up with the plan to celebrate him. I was even the one that woke Evelyn up earlier this morning, seeing that she came back very late from the office yesterday night.”

    “Thank you for alerting me, jare. I would have overslept,” I replied Jola even as Ada cleared her throat, jolting us back to the matter at hand.

    “So can we continue? Once again, good morning all! Our own Nobel laureate …our own Wole Soyinka is 90…yeeeee…,” screamed Ada, followed by claps and dancing by the gang. “We are happy to join the world to celebrate him. As you know Prof. is not just a Nigerian or African icon but a global figure whose work has impacted millions of lives. I agree with Jola.  I too have been tantalised by Soyinka. In fact he literally stole my heart not just by his writings but by his age-long commitment towards the fight for justice. Even at 90, he remains relevant. We can’t have enough of him and may he keep aging in sound health and strength.” And all said: “Amen…Ise…Ase…!”

    “Evelyn! Please, continue with the reading of Ake. And when you are done; you can begin to share your Wole Soyinka’s book experience,” Ada added.

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    I read some pages from Ake. And although I was reading it for the umpteenth time, it still had the power to draw me into the childhood days of Prof. Soyinka. That was the power Soyinka wields. In a sense, like Jolaolu said, the poet has a way of tantalising one’s imagination – a thought that was shared by almost everyone in the forum. “I have read this book a dozen times and it always excites my senses each time. His poems are equally very captivating.”

    “I also find his works, particularly this one you just read, tantalising. I find it fascinating when you talk about his works so passionately.

    “You know, my mom belonged to a reading group when we were growing up and they would often read his works and celebrate his birthday with so much pomp and ceremony; and I had often wondered what is it about Wole Soyinka that tantalises women. Not until I read “Ake” and the “Jero plays”, which I would be reading from today, and I too was blown away,” Tamara quibbled as Tinu shared glasses and poured the wine; and Ada continued.

    “And I am afraid he will continue to blow us away for as long as man exists with his masterpieces. Let’s raise our glasses to him…Happy birthday Wole Soyinka! Age in strength and sound health!” The book revelry, which ended with ‘rice and stew very plenty’, saw Tamara, Jolaolu, Mummy Fawaz, Tinu and Christabel the Fashionista, each reading different works by Soyinka, including his “Poems of Black Africa”.

  • When writers gathered in Morocco for Soyinka

    When writers gathered in Morocco for Soyinka

    Dipo Akanbi writes about the celebration and the razzmatazz that took place in Morocco in honour of Professor Wole Soyinka at 90. A profound programme that saw writers from all over the world paying glowing tributes to one of Africa’s foremost intellectuals, playwrights, novelists, dramatists and Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in literature. It also chronicles encounters and banters with writers in the process.

    At the send-off in honour of Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, I had a conversation with Professor Razinat Muhammed, during which I mentioned my intention to catch up with Prof. Wole Soyinka. She took a deep breath and wondered how I would be able to achieve that. I insisted that the Association of Nigerian Authors is duty-bound to celebrate the man on his 90th birthday, so I must reach out to him.

    Knowing how close Prof. Razinat Muhammed is to Prof. Wole Soyinka and her raising this concern, I knew it could be a herculean task to accomplish, especially considering the umbrage raised against him by a section of Nigerian writers in recent times, which might make him want to avoid the Association of Nigerian Authors. I thought to myself, “We are his literary children; he should accept our excesses sometimes.” This situation reminded me of my relationship with my late father in his final days. I believed that if I could handle him dexterously, perhaps I might succeed with Prof. too.

    By 4:00 a.m. on 7th July, 2024, Segun took me to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport enroute Casablanca, Morocco. Many of the passengers on the Air Marroc flight were taking a connecting flight from Morocco to the United Kingdom, many of them would be alighting at Manchester and Heathrow Airports. The trip wasn’t really eventful except for an elderly lady, appearing to be in her eighties, who was heading to Manchester. Apparently, she’s becoming mentally challenged. Fortunately, a number of persons took upon themselves to look after her till she reached her final destination in Manchester.

    The plane flew at a height of about 38,000 feet above and some 400 miles to Casablanca; the pilots began to descend the plane, and a clear overhead view of the country of Morocco began to emerge. Beautiful well-laid farms, with surrounding water canals, apparently irrigation is a key to the Agricultural industry here. The darkened soil in ceramic areas suggested a preference for organic farming.

    We landed at Casablanca Airport around 11:00 a.m. after about 4 hours flight. After clearing with the immigration, I proceeded to the exit to meet a large crowd outside the terminal building. It soon occurred to me that it was the country folks coming out to welcome their loved ones just arriving from the pilgrimage to Mecca. The reception here was far grander than what I saw in Ilorin. They came in droves with flowers and cakes and proceeded in well-decorated cars; the motorcade covering new arrivals moved out of the airport.

    In the company of my newest pal, Mr. Simbo Olorunfemi and the President of World Organization of Writers, Margarita AlMohamotova, we were driven towards Rabat, to the exquisite Conrad Rabat hotel, some three hours journey. We had arrived a day ahead of the other members of the Nigerian delegation. So, we had the 8th of July to ourselves, savouring in the warm weather of Rabat. I remained largely in the room on the 7th, but on the 8th, I came out to luxuriate by the hotel’s poolside, which overlooked the Atlantic Ocean. I marvelled at the splendour of the vast ocean… endless. I soon went in briefly to return for dinner by 8:30 pm. The sun was still out. Apparently, they had longer daylight and shorter nights, some summer solstice phenomenon – I remember this from geography classes taught by my secondary school geography teacher.

    Still dining outside by the poolside, I saw the unmistakable signature bushy white hair and matching beard of the Nobel laureate through the glass panel. It was him; I had the urge to approach him, after all, we were there to attend a celebration in his honour. Apparently, he was dining too and sat among some familiar faces, so I didn’t want to intrude. My mind told me to wait. My new pal, Simbo and I took our leave and went back to our hotel room. We were told to prepare early for the event scheduled for the 9th of July, 2024 in honour of the literary genius. My mind played on how my first meeting with him would go.

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    On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, I woke up early, feeling energized and enthusiastic, and got dressed with excitement. I then headed to the restaurant to grab a quick breakfast before the main event, which was being held in honour of a literary giant whose works I have always admired and cherished. Reading his books, such as “Penkelemess”, was a truly eye-opening experience for me. I was soon devouring other masterpieces like “Ake”, “The Man Died”, “Chronicles of the Happiest People on Earth”, and even some of his poetic works, which left a profound impact on me – of course, who could forget the phenomenal play “Trial of Brother Jero”, which I was quite familiar with and had always found fascinating? With a deep appreciation for his literary contributions, I was eager to start the day and pay tribute, alongside others, to this remarkable individual.

    I settled into my usual spot beside the swimming pool, which offered a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. As I was savouring the moment, I noticed a familiar figure approaching my table – Dr. Newton Jibunoh, a renowned engineer, environmentalist, creative artist, and artifacts collector, who also happened to be a former chairman of Costain Nigeria limited, a company in Lagos. The elderly gentleman greeted me with a warm smile, and I stood up to respond. He began to introduce himself, but I interrupted, revealing my familiarity with his accomplishments. I surprised him by mentioning his remarkable feats, including crossing the Sahara Desert multiple times. This was our first face-to-face encounter, and I was thrilled to finally meet him in person. I invited him to join me at my table, but he pointed to his seat by the poolside, where he had already settled. He offered to join me instead, and I insisted he stay put, opting to move over to his table instead.

    As we went to pick up our breakfast, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. When we returned to our seats, I was taken aback to find none other than Prof. Oluwole Akinwande Babatunde Soyinka, the celebrated Kongi himself, sitting alongside Dr. Jibunoh! I was almost trembling at the unexpected one-on-one encounter. I offered to move to another table, but Prof. Soyinka in his sternly voice said, “Joko joor” (stay, please), wondering in my mind on how he became aware of my Yoruba heritage, despite my outfit and initial greeting in English. We delved into an intense conversation, exploring topics like climate change and corruption, and I was struck by the intellectual stimulation and his down-to-earth demeanor. I managed to clear the dishes from my table, wondering why Prof. Soyinka had opted for only yoghurt and coffee. The discussion left a lasting impression on me, and I felt grateful for the encounter.

    The first meeting exceeded my expectations, and I was struck by his humility and willingness to engage in meaningful conversation. Mission partly accomplished!

    •Dr Alanbi, President, Association of Nigerian Authors, teaches at UNILORIN.

  • Sanwo-Olu celebrates Soyinka’s 90th birthday

    Sanwo-Olu celebrates Soyinka’s 90th birthday

    In a grand celebration filled with joy and reflection, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu honored Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday.

    The event, which took place last night, was marked by heartfelt tributes and a deep appreciation of Soyinka’s monumental contributions to literature and humanity.

    Sanwo-Olu took to his X handle to share admiration and respect for Soyinka.

    “This evening, we had the honour of celebrating the 90th birthday of our esteemed Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. 

    “It was a night of joy, memories, and inspiration as we celebrated his many contributions to literature and touched on how his humanity continues to inspire us all,” he posted.

    The celebration’s highlight was the unveiling of a special portrait of Professor Soyinka, which Governor Sanwo-Olu described as “a true reflection of his enduring legacy,”

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    Sanwo-Olu explained that the portrait, an artistic homage to Soyinka’s life and work, symbolises the profound impact he has had on generations of writers and thinkers.

    The governor reflected on Soyinka’s historic Nobel Prize win, noting how it “opened the door for many to dream and believe that greatness is achievable,” 

    He emphasised that Soyinka’s works transcend time and continue to touch hearts and minds worldwide.

    “We celebrate not just his 90 years of life but the countless lives he has inspired and continues to inspire,”

    He added that event was a testament to Soyinka’s resilience, creativity, and dedication.

    The Lagos state governor said the attendees were literary figures, political leaders, and admirers who gathered to pay tribute to “a man whose works have left an indelible mark on the world.

    “Thank you, Professor Wole Soyinka, for showing us that through resilience, creativity, and dedication, we can achieve greatness,”

  • Soyinka: ‘The Noble Warrior’ gets corporate boost

    Soyinka: ‘The Noble Warrior’ gets corporate boost

    As the celebration of quintessential global literary giant Prof. Wole Soyinka continues across the globe, more corporate brands are providing support as contributing partners, in the special theatre production of the ‘The Noble Warrior’ – Eni Ogun.

    The Noble Warrior, written by Aiye-ko-ooto, directed by Oriade Adefila and produced by Cash Onadele, is being performed in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) to honour Soyinka at 90.

    In a statement released ahead of the premiere in Abeokuta, the production’s Executive Producer, Toye Arulogun said corporate entities who have joined the list of partners span across banking, telecommunications, financial services, food and agro allied production.

    He said: “Adubiifa Network Co. is pleased to announce the contributing partnership of FCMB, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Alternative Bank, Airtel, FMDQ and CINQTEOS Limited towards the special theatre production of The Noble Warrior as part of the line-up of events to mark the 90th birthday of Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    “Corporate Nigeria’s response to this dramatic tribute to Prof. Soyinka affirms his towering stature as a National Icon and pride of our cultural heritage worthy of celebration. It further confirms Corporate Nigeria’s identification of arts and culture as a veritable platform for brand promotions and a vehicle for driving Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives”

    “This is a huge encouragement to drama and theatre practitioners and the larger Nigerian creative economy. It is reassuring that Corporate Nigeria recognises the value of dramatic arts and culture as evidenced by the support of this production which is a tribute to Kongi at 90.”

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    The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun premiered in Abeokuta on Monday at the Hubert Ogunde Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, and other performances at the MUSON CENTRE Lagos on Saturday and Sunday. 

    Endorsed by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), the production showcases the protagonist brand persona likened to Wole Soyinka and highlighting similar personality traits as a fighter and the humane warrior in his 90-year sojourn on earth.

    First Bank earlier announced its support to the stage play as a demonstration of its commitment to sustaining the creative arts.

  • Sanwo-Olu: Soyinka is patriot, Africa’s pride

    Sanwo-Olu: Soyinka is patriot, Africa’s pride

    Abiodun awards scholarships to best student essayists

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated literary giant and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday. He described Soyinka as ‘a patriot and the pride of Nigeria, Africa’

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the playwright, poet, and essayist is worthy of all celebrations as ‘an advocate of good governance, voice of the voiceless and one of Nigeria’s biggest exports to the world’.

    According to him, the Nobel Laureate has used his experience and status as a quintessential scholar and literary icon to contribute positively to literature, academics, and governance, not only in Nigeria and Africa, but globally.

    He said: “I express warm felicitations to the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday anniversary. We are happy to associate with one of Nigeria’s pride and biggest exports to the world.

    “Prof. Soyinka is a literary icon who has excelled in all genres of literature, and his prodigious works have continued to be a reference point in academic circles all over the world. He is a great pride to Nigeria, Africa, and the entire black race. His long years of outstanding accomplishments and consistency in the crusade for the wellbeing of citizens had culminated in his legendary status.

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    “He is a renowned advocate of truth, justice, and equity. He has demonstrated his commitment to democracy, responsible and responsive governments the African continent.

    “As Prof. Soyinka joins the league of nonagenarians, I wish him good health and more years of meritorious service to Nigeria, Africa and the world. May we continue to benefit from his deep knowledge and worthy example.”

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has awarded scholarships to nine students who performed well in an essay competition to mark Soyinka’s birthday.