Prof Soyinka, Uncommon Patriot, Source Of Inspiration –  President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has described Prof Soyinka as an uncommon patriot who has continued to demonstrate his undying love for our country.

Tinubu, in a birthday message to the Nobel Laureate stated that “Even at the grand old age, he continues to be a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world.”

The President extended his good wishes to Prof Soyinka, the globally renowned literary icon and Nobel Laureate, as he celebrates his 91st birthday on Sunday .

In a statement, signed by the special adviser information and strategy to the president, Bayo Onanuga described Prof Soyinka, as a well-decorated literary giant, activist, cultural icon, and public intellectual, is known for his extraordinary creative and artistic talent, evident in his plays, poems, memoirs, essays, and other artistic productions.

President Tinubu notes the contributions of the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 to education, pro-democracy and human rights movements, cultural diplomacy, and nation-building over the last several decades.

He described Professor Soyinka as a massive source of inspiration to Nigerians and, most especially, generations of younger writers worldwide who, on their own, have also attained great national and international prominence.

President Tinubu acknowledges his decades of association, friendship, and collaboration with the accomplished statesman.

“I rejoice with Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, on reaching another year and praise his continuing service and contributions to our nation’s development.

“I value my association with Prof Soyinka and several collaborations to advance the progress and development of Nigeria.

“On this special day that marks the beginning of the journey into the last decade of his centennial, I wish Prof Wole Soyinka good health and more years in sound mind.”