Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, describing him as a global literary icon, fearless advocate of justice and one of Nigeria’s greatest national treasures.
In a statement personally signed on Sunday in Abuja, the President paid glowing tribute to Soyinka’s extraordinary contributions to literature, democracy and the pursuit of justice, saying his courage and intellect had continued to inspire generations across the world.
Tinubu described the Nobel Prize winner as a rare personality whose unwavering commitment to truth and resistance against oppression had made him a beacon of hope for humanity.
“Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation—men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours.
“They are not afraid to go against convention and do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice,” the President said.
Tinubu congratulated the celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor and advocate of good governance on attaining the milestone.
He recalled Soyinka’s historic achievement as the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, noting that the honour cemented his place among the world’s foremost literary figures.
The President also highlighted the scholar’s numerous international accolades, including the Benson Medal, the Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu praised Soyinka’s decades-long resistance to military dictatorship and his active role in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.
“I recall Professor Soyinka’s valiant struggle against military dictatorship for decades and his efforts in the June 12 struggle, for which we were both in the trenches.
“Today, I salute one of our nation’s living repositories of history, knowledge and courage. That he is with us is a gift we will always treasure,” he said.
The President thanked Soyinka for his enduring faith in the Nigerian project and for his consistent counsel on issues of national importance.
He said Soyinka’s literary works and activism had left an indelible mark on generations of writers, scholars and advocates for justice across the globe.
“As he marks this birthday, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars and activists, as well as his sacrifices for our nation.
“I wish ‘Kongi’ many more years in excellent health,” Tinubu said.
