President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka as the celebrated playwright, author and activist turns 92, describing him as “a gift we will always treasure” and one of Nigeria’s greatest national assets.
In a statement released by the State House on Sunday, the President praised Soyinka’s enduring impact on literature, democracy and good governance, while acknowledging his lifelong commitment to justice and national development.
Marking the literary icon’s birthday on Monday, Tinubu described Soyinka as a rare individual whose influence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation’s literary star, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, July 13,” the President said.
Tinubu commended Soyinka’s fearless defence of truth and human rights, saying exceptional figures like him emerge only once in a generation.
“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,” he stated.
The President also highlighted Soyinka’s historic achievement as the first African recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, describing it as a milestone that brought global recognition to Nigeria and the African continent.
Reflecting on the Nobel laureate’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu recalled their shared participation in the struggle against military rule and the fight to uphold the June 12 mandate.
He described Soyinka as one of Nigeria’s living custodians of history, wisdom and courage, whose presence continues to inspire generations.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President added that people across the world were joining in celebrating Soyinka’s remarkable legacy and lasting influence on writers, scholars, activists and advocates of democracy.
He concluded by wishing the renowned literary giant, fondly known as “Kongi,” many more years in good health and continued service to humanity.
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