Encomium As Prof. Wole Soyinka Clocks 81
Literary Icon: Professor Wole Soyinka[/caption]
Literary icon and civil rights activist, Wole Soyinka is 81. Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934 in Abeokuta, is a holder of many awards and accolades, including the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature (the first African to be honored).
He took an active role in Nigeria’s political history and its struggle for independence from Great Britain. Soyinka has been a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In the fall of 2007 he was appointed Professor in Residence at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, US.
Governor Amosun of Ogun State congratulated the Playwright and poet in a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Amosun described Soyinka as “.”
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a quintessential scholar who bestrides the literary world like a colossus
He also said that…
Soyinka excels in all of the genres of literature and his prodigious works have continued to be a reference level in educational circles everywhere in the world.”
Speaking on how much the great icon has impacted their lives and the progress of the nation at large; here are a few comments about the renowned poet.
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Governor Nasir EL-Rufai who is the key note speaker at the 7th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series titled ‘Nigeria and the Oil Fortune’ currently taking place at the Sheraton hotel Abuja congratulated the poet describing him as a great icon others should emulate.
Dr Oby Ezekwesili who was a one-time minister of finance and vice president World Bank Africa division congratulated professor Wole Soyinka. She said..
Happy 81st Birthday to one whose distinctive VOICE echoes endlessly for our Chibok girls
Dr Joe Odumakin, a human rights activist also congratulated the great poet.she described him as a global icon, saying her work with Professor Wole Soyinka dates back to Adam and she is proud of every moment they both worked together.
