In a monumental tribute to one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures, President Bola Tinubu has announced the renaming of the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. This declaration was made in a heartfelt tribute to Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, commonly known as Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
The celebrations will reach their peak on July 13th, following a series of international and local events dedicated to honoring the Nobel Laureate. Highlighting his global influence, a symposium and poetry reading were held on July 9th in Rabat, Morocco, organized by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA).
President Tinubu lauded Professor Soyinka as a national treasure and a global icon, recalling his groundbreaking achievement as the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. The President noted Soyinka’s enduring legacy, both in literature and in his unwavering commitment to human dignity and justice.
“Renaming the National Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts not only celebrates Soyinka’s remarkable literary achievements but also his steadfast dedication to the values of human dignity and justice,” President Tinubu stated.
Soyinka’s life, marked by his courageous stand against tyranny and oppression, has been an inspiration to many. From his early works like “The Lion and the Jewel” and “Death and the King’s Horseman,” to his prison memoir “The Man Died,” Soyinka has consistently used his voice and pen to challenge injustice.
“Since his youth, Soyinka has been a vocal critic of oppression and injustice wherever it exists,” President Tinubu remarked, emphasizing Soyinka’s activism against apartheid in South Africa and racism in the United States. His bravery was notably demonstrated during the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 when he attempted to broker peace and was subsequently detained for two years.
Reflecting on their shared history, President Tinubu recalled Soyinka’s instrumental role in the fight for democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. In exile, Soyinka galvanized opposition through the National Liberation Council of Nigeria (NALICON) and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), becoming the face of the struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists,” President Tinubu said. “I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country and for his enduring spirit that has shown us the power of literature and drama in challenging the status quo.”
As Soyinka reaches this significant milestone, President Tinubu expressed his wishes for the literary giant’s continued health and creative fulfillment. “May he continue to inspire us all to build a nation free from oppression where our youth can realize their dreams.”
The renaming of the National Theatre stands as a testament to Soyinka’s monumental contributions to Nigerian culture and the global literary landscape. This honor ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations long after his 90th birthday celebration.
Wole Soyinka, a playwright, poet, and political activist, has been a towering figure in world literature. His works, known for their deep exploration of the human condition and advocacy for social justice, have earned him international acclaim and numerous accolades. His relentless fight for democracy and human rights has made him a symbol of courage and resilience, both in Nigeria and globally.
As Nigeria and the world celebrate this milestone, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts will serve as a lasting tribute to his remarkable life and enduring influence.
