Tinubu celebrates Soyinka at 92, calling him an advocate for good governance

President Bola Tinubu celebrated Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka on his 92nd birthday, hailing him as an "irrepressible advocate of good governance." The president lauded Soyinka's lifelong struggle against military dictatorship and his contributions to the June 12 struggle.

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Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation’s literary star, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, July 13.

In a message marking the July 13 birthday, Tinubu recognized Soyinka as a "global icon and our nation's literary star." He highlighted Soyinka's 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, the first for an African in that category, alongside numerous other international accolades. The president noted Soyinka's courage in challenging oppression and injustice.

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Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation, men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, who are not afraid to go against convention, and who do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice.

Tinubu referred to Soyinka as a "gift to the nation" and a "living repository of history, knowledge, and courage." He expressed gratitude for Soyinka's "undying faith in the Nigerian project" and his "wise counsel." The president joined the world in celebrating Soyinka's profound influence on writers, scholars, and activists, acknowledging his sacrifices for Nigeria and wishing him many more years of good health.

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I congratulate this globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and irrepressible advocate of good governance.