Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, expressed on Monday that he never anticipated living to the age of 90. He made this revelation while engaging with approximately 383 students during the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme at his ARI residence in Ijegba, Abeokuta.
During the event, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced scholarships and laptops for the nine students who excelled in an essay competition held in honor of Soyinka’s 90th birthday. Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, celebrated his milestone birthday on Saturday.
Responding to questions about his 90 years of life experiences, Soyinka shared that he had never imagined reaching this age. He recounted his decision to become a writer as a way to address the inaccuracies in the stories he heard while growing up.
Regarding his infamous incident 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 their tendency to critique the state without introspection. He argued that crimes such as kidnapping and robbery stem from selfishness and a desire for luxury, rather than poverty or inequality.
He praised Governor Abiodun for efforts to enhance the environment around his residence, preventing its degradation and contributing to his decision to remain in Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun, speaking at the event, emphasized that the scholarships and laptops were intended to encourage students to continue writing and motivate others to participate in future competitions. He lauded Soyinka as the most celebrated black African who had excelled in his field, highlighting the importance of engaging youth to foster progress for Nigeria and humanity.
The governor explained that the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange was established to honor Soyinka’s legacy, reflecting his lifelong dedication to education, cultural exchange, and nurturing future leaders. The initiative aligns with Soyinka’s values of justice, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence in the arts and humanities.
Abiodun noted that this year’s theme, “Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building,” encapsulated Soyinka’s commitment to creating a just and equitable world. The programme includes essay competitions, advocacy, and performing arts such as poetry, drama, and spoken word.
“We celebrate a project that, for over 14 years, has upheld his ideals and vision. There is no doubt that the Nobel Laureate has optimally utilized the inherent values and wisdom of African culture and tradition in his global engagement as a world citizen of African descent,” Abiodun stated.
The 2024 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme attracted students from various parts of the country. Out of 383 participants in the essay competition, 90 were selected, with Alabi Oluwanifemi emerging as the best essayist, followed by Okoye Collins John in second place, and Adebusi Adeoluwa in third.
Punch