Abeokuta, Nigeria — Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka expressed his surprise at living to the age of 90 while addressing students during the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme, held at his ARI residence in Ijegba, Abeokuta, on Monday.
Responding to questions from 383 students, Soyinka, who turned 90 on July 13, recounted his life experiences and revealed that he never expected to reach this age. He shared that his journey into writing was motivated by a desire to correct the inaccuracies in stories he heard growing up.
Discussing his famous act of entering a radio station during the military era, Soyinka clarified, “I never broke into a radio station but sneaked in. The station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralized the people and established the culture of brutality.”
Soyinka also criticized Nigerians for habitually blaming the state while failing to self-examine. He attributed crimes like kidnapping and robbery not to poverty or inequality but to selfishness and the desire for luxury.
During the event, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced scholarships and laptops for nine students who excelled in an essay competition held to celebrate Soyinka’s 90th birthday. Abiodun praised Soyinka for his contributions to literature and cultural exchange and emphasized the importance of engaging youth to drive progress in Nigeria and beyond.
Abiodun described Soyinka as the most celebrated Black African in his field and noted that the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange was established to honor his legacy and commitment to education, cultural exchange, and nurturing future leaders. This year’s theme, “Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building,” reflects Soyinka’s dedication to creating a just and equitable world.
The programme includes essay competitions, advocacy, and performing arts such as poetry, drama, and spoken word, aiming to uphold Soyinka’s ideals of justice, freedom, and excellence in the arts and humanities.
This year, 383 students participated in the competition, with 90 being shortlisted. Alabi Oluwanifemi emerged as the best essayist, followed by Okoye Collins John in second place, and Adebusi Adeoluwa in third.
Governor Abiodun lauded the project, stating, “For over 14 years, this initiative has upheld Soyinka’s ideals and vision, utilizing African cultural values and wisdom in global engagement. The mission of WSICE is to create unity among mankind, focusing on youth as the future of humanity, in line with Soyinka’s guiding principles.”
The event highlighted Soyinka’s lifelong commitment to nurturing future leaders and promoting cultural exchange, setting an example for the younger generation to follow.
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