Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has congratulated Nobel Laureate winner, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.
Ekiti News reports that the the world-renowned literary giant was born in Abeokuta on July 13, 1934.
The Governor stated that Prof. Soyinka deserves to be celebrated for making Nigeria and Africa proud through his significant contributions to the literary world and humanity.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described Prof. Soyinka as a pride to the Black race, a legend of the arts, and a multi-talented genius whose influence and impact have transcended several generations.
According to Governor Oyebanji, the world has felt the impact and has been blessed by Prof. Soyinka’s roles as a writer, an author, a playwright, a novelist, a dramatist, a scholar and pro democracy activist.
Governor Oyebanji noted that the pinnacle of Prof. Soyinka’s career was winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, making him the first African writer to achieve this honor.
Beyond the arts, the Governor praised Prof. Soyinka, affectionately known as “Kongi” by his admirers, as a voice for the oppressed, a civil rights activist, a pro-democracy icon, and a social justice crusader who speaks truth to power.
The Governor pointed out that Prof. Soyinka, at the risk for his life, stood to be counted in the fight to end military rule in Nigeria and his advocacy contributed immensely to the return of civil rule which was achieved in 1999.
Hailing the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to name the National Arts Theatre after Prof. Soyinka, the Governor described it as a befitting birthday gift for the literary giant.
He prayed God to grant the literary giant more fruitful years of service to Nigeria and global community and sound health to enjoy the rest of his life in the land of the living.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate this literary giant and global citizen, Prof Soyinka whose life and works continue to inspire many to dare to be great. Our prayer is that you will Live the rest of your years in joy and sound health.”, the statement added.