President hails Nobel laureate as a treasured voice of courage, literature and democracy on his 92nd birthday

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on his 92nd birthday, describing the renowned playwright and activist as one of Nigeria’s “living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage.”

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In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate Soyinka’s birthday on 13 July, Tinubu celebrated the literary icon’s remarkable contributions to literature, democracy and the defence of human rights, saying his life and work have inspired generations within Nigeria and across the world.

The President said exceptional personalities such as Soyinka are rare and have consistently challenged injustice while shaping society through intellect and courage.

“Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation, men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, who are not afraid to go against convention, and who do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice,” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on Soyinka’s distinguished career, the President praised the celebrated author for excelling as a playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian and advocate of good governance.

Tinubu also recalled Soyinka’s historic achievement in 1986, when he became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, a milestone that elevated African literature on the global stage.

The President further highlighted several honours bestowed on Soyinka over the years, including the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature, the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Europe Theatre Prize Special Prize.

The President also reflected on Soyinka’s longstanding role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, particularly his resistance to military rule and his participation in the struggle to validate the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as a defining moment in the country’s democratic history.

“I also 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,” Tinubu said.

Describing the literary giant as a remarkable national asset, Tinubu expressed appreciation for Soyinka’s unwavering belief in Nigeria and the guidance he has continued to offer over the decades.

“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. I thank him for his undying faith in the Nigerian project and wise counsel,” the President added.

Tinubu concluded by wishing Soyinka continued good health and many more years of service, while recognising the lasting influence the elder statesman has had on writers, scholars, activists and advocates of democracy around the world.

Professor Soyinka remains one of Africa’s most influential intellectuals. Beyond his literary achievements, he has played a prominent role in public discourse for more than six decades, consistently speaking on governance, human rights and democratic accountability.