Soyinka reflects on turning 90, his legacy, at cultural exchange event
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 13, expressed surprise at reaching this milestone.
Soyinka made this remark on Monday during the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme held at his ARI residence in Ijegba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The celebration featured a range of events in his honor, culminating in a ceremony where the Ogun State government awarded scholarships to nine students who excelled in an essay competition commemorating Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
These scholarships underscore the state’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and honoring Soyinka’s legacy.
During the event, Soyinka engaged with children, sharing insights from his life and career. Reflecting on his decision to become a writer, Soyinka explained that he was driven by a desire to correct the inaccuracies in the stories he heard growing up.
Addressing a question about his infamous entry into a radio station during the military era, Soyinka clarified, “I never broke into a radio station, but sneaked in. The radio station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralized the people and established the culture of brutality.”
Soyinka also criticized Nigerians for frequently condemning the state without introspection, asserting that crimes such as kidnapping and robbery stem from selfishness and a desire for luxury, rather than poverty or inequality.
He praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in preserving the environment around Soyinka’s residence, a gesture Soyinka said contributed to his decision to remain in Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun, speaking at the event, highlighted the significance of the scholarships and the laptops awarded to the winners, aiming to inspire ongoing academic and literary pursuits among students.
He lauded Soyinka as the most celebrated black African, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in fostering progress in Nigeria and globally.
The governor commended the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) for honoring Soyinka’s dedication to education, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
This year’s WSICE theme, “Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building (E.N.I.O.G.U.N),” reflects Soyinka’s lifelong commitment to justice, freedom, and excellence in the arts and humanities.
The 2024 WSICE included an essay competition, advocacy initiatives, and performing arts events. With 383 students participating, 90 were shortlisted, and nine emerged as winners, with Alabi Oluwanifemi receiving the top honor.
Governor Abiodun pledged to elevate the WSICE to an international level, celebrating its 14-year history of promoting Soyinka’s ideals and vision.
In his remarks, Abiodun affirmed the project’s mission to unite humanity through youth engagement, inspired by Soyinka’s principles. He praised the WSICE for being a beacon for future thinkers committed to the progress and betterment of humanity.
