Tinubu Eulogizes Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on His 92nd Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Nigeria's Nobel Laureate and literary icon, Professor Oluwole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday on Monday, July 13, 2026. In a statement released on Sunday, the President lauded Soyinka as a globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and a staunch advocate for good governance.

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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.

Tinubu described Soyinka as an exceptional individual who illuminates paths for humanity across diverse fields. He highlighted Soyinka's courage to defy conventions and his resilience in the face of oppression and injustice. The President recalled Soyinka's historic achievement of winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to receive the award in that category, alongside numerous other accolades.

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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.

The President also acknowledged Professor Soyinka's decades-long struggle against military dictatorship and his significant contributions to the June 12 struggle. "Today, I salute one of our nation’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage," Tinubu stated, emphasizing that Soyinka's presence is a treasured gift. He thanked the literary giant for his unwavering faith in Nigeria and his wise counsel.

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Today, I salute one of our nation’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage. That he is with us is a gift we will always treasure. I thank him for his undying faith in the Nigerian project and wise counsel.

Additionally, President Tinubu extended birthday wishes to Mr. Kabir Shagaya, Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings, who turned 40 on Sunday. The President commended Shagaya's contributions to enterprise development, strategic investment, innovation, and national progress. He noted Shagaya's leadership at Cavista Holdings has shaped investments in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, hospitality, and financial services, fostering economic opportunity and institutional value across Nigeria and the African continent.

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As he marks this birthday, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists, as well as his sacrifices for our nation. I wish “Kongi” many more years in excellent health.