Feast of performances, intellectual discourse hold in Abeokuta, London for Soyinka
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as the iconic literary figure marks his 91st birthday today.
In a tribute, Tinubu described Soyinka as a distinguished writer, cultural ambassador, and public intellectual whose towering legacy continues to inspire generations around the world.
Soyinka, who in 1986 became the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, is celebrated for his expansive body of work, encompassing plays, poems, memoirs, and essays, as well as his lifelong commitment to justice, democracy, education, and nation-building.
The President noted Soyinka’s pivotal role in shaping national discourse, as well as his profound influence on younger writers in Nigeria and beyond, many of whom have gone on to achieve global acclaim.
He also reflected on his personal and professional relationship with the Nobel Laureate, acknowledging their long-standing association and shared efforts toward national development.
Meanwhile, the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) has marked its 16th anniversary, continuing its legacy as a vital platform for cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and intellectual engagement, inspired by the enduring influence of the Nobel Laureate.
Marking Soyinka’s 76th birthday, WSICE has grown into a globally respected platform where art, advocacy, and African identity converge. Also, cultural exchange painting workshop will hold at the ongoing WSICE 2025 in collaboration with Festival O’Ley, organised by Nigeria/French season artist, Segun Ola, in France.
This year, the tradition continued with events scheduled for yesterday, July 13, 2025, in Abeokuta, and July 24–25 in London, in partnership with The Africa Centre.
The overarching theme for the 2025 edition is “Decolonisation of African Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership,” with participants to interrogate postcolonial realities while envisioning new pathways for African futures.
