Wole Soyinka

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on the occasion of his 90th birthday, describing him as an “uncommon patriot” and a towering figure in Nigeria’s national development.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Soyinka’s decades-long contributions to education, cultural diplomacy, the pro-democracy movement, and human rights advocacy.

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

He lauded the literary icon for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria, noting that his life and work have inspired generations of younger writers, many of whom have gained both national and international recognition.

“Professor Soyinka is an uncommon patriot who has continued to demonstrate his undying love for our country,” Tinubu added. “Even at the grand old age, he remains a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world.”

The president extended his best wishes to Soyinka for continued good health and strength, acknowledging his influence on Nigeria’s intellectual and political landscapes.

Soyinka, the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, is globally revered for his unique literary style, visible across his plays, poems, essays, and memoirs. His legacy continues to resonate across generations, both within and outside Africa.