Nigerians Celebrate Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's 90th Birthday with Nationwide Events.

Nigerians Celebrate Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's 90th Birthday with Nationwide Events

Emmanuel Oduara 

Nigeria and the South West States have come together to celebrate the 90th birthday of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka through various events, with each state adding its unique touch to the festivities.

Ogun State: Egbaland Art Exhibition

Egbaland, under the leadership of the Alake and Paramount Ruler, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, hosted an art exhibition at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

 The event featured the works of 65 exhibitors, showcasing artworks and paintings that narrate the life and achievements of Wole Soyinka, fondly known as Kongi. 

The Alake emphasized that the exhibition was not only a tribute to Soyinka but also an inspiration for the younger generation to strive for greatness and uncover their talents.

Ekiti State: Grand Art Exhibition and Symposium

In Ekiti State, the intelligentsia will celebrate Soyinka with a grand art exhibition titled "Ekiti Celebrates Kongi at 90" at the newly renovated Ekiti State Cultural Center.

 The event will feature paintings, sculptures, and other artworks inspired by Soyinka's literary masterpieces.

 Following the exhibition, a symposium will be held where academics, writers, and intellectuals will discuss Soyinka's contributions to Nigerian and global literature. Panels will explore themes such as "Wole Soyinka and the Yoruba Worldview" and "The Playwright as Social Critic."

Oyo State: Ake Film Festival and Premieres

Oyo State has planned several notable events to mark Soyinka's 90th birthday. 

These include the Ake Film Festival, an exclusive family event, and the premiere of "The Man Died - Nigeria."

 Additionally, there will be a global premiere of a tributary screening of "Ebrohime Road" at Drapers Hall, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, from 4 pm to 8 pm. 

The event will also feature "IKÚ OLÓKÙN ESIN" at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan.

Lagos State: Renaming of the National Arts Theatre

In Lagos State, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has honored Wole Soyinka by renaming the National Arts Theatre after the Nobel laureate. This tribute highlights Soyinka's immense contributions to literature, culture, and social justice.

Annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE)

The 15th edition of the annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) coincides with this milestone birthday and will be held in two phases.

 The first phase, from July 13 to 16 in Nigeria, includes virtual and onsite events such as a youth program at Ijegba Forestage in Abeokuta, a cultural evening, and a performance of Soyinka's classic play "The Lion and the Jewel." 

The second phase will take place from July 19 to 27 in London, United Kingdom. This year's WSICE theme is "E.N.I.O.G.U.N - Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding, and Nation-Building," reflecting Soyinka's lifelong commitment to social justice and human rights.

Wole Soyinka's 90th birthday is being celebrated with a series of events that reflect his significant contributions to literature, culture, and social justice. 

The celebrations across Nigeria and the South West States honor a man whose work has left an indelible mark on the world.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun - MFR Seyi Makinde Ekiti State Government of Nigeria  Wale Ojo Lanre

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