President Bola Tinubu has named the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway in Abuja after Prof. Wole Soyinka, renown poet and Nobel Laureate.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu made this known on his X handle on Tuesday, stating that Tinubu’s action was meant to honour the literacy icon.
In the post titled: “Tinubu names Abuja Highway after Wole Soyinka”, the president’s spokesman said Soyinka who recently celebrated his 90th birthday has brough honour to the country.
Onanuga wrote: “President Tinubu has named the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) as Professor Wole Soyinka Highway as recommended by the FCT administration.
“In naming the road after the distinguished playwright, poet and novelist who clocks 90 on 13 July, President Tinubu said Soyinka was the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize. He said Soyinka has brought honour and fame to Nigeria.”
Recall that Soyinka once stated that Tinubu completely ignored his advice not to contest Nigeria’s presidency.
Soyinka:“We met last five years ago, and it was an embarrassing visit because I went to tell him not to run for office.
“I told him and Atiku to leave the stage for young people. I call him “olori kunkun” (strong-willed). He ignored my advice completely.
”I came to see him to find out how he is doing after neglecting my advice. I wanted to see how he and his wife are faring. I also came to wish them a merry Christmas.
”You know we are old friends. And it was as a friend that I told him ‘don’t run.”
