Soyinka at 89, quintessential scholar, literary icon — Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated literary giant and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 89th birthday, describing him as “a quintessential scholar and literary icon who has used his position and experience to contribute positively to literature, academics and governance globally.”

Sanwo-Olu said this on Wednesday in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Gboyega Akosile, noting that Soyinka is worth celebrating as one of Nigeria’s advocates of good governance.

This was just as he further noted that Soyinka, a 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature winner and the first sub-Saharan African to be honoured in that category, remains one of Nigeria’s pride and biggest exports to the world.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate our literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka on his 89th birthday anniversary.

“Prof. Soyinka as a literary icon excels in all the genres of literature and his prodigious works have continued to be a reference point in academic circles all over the world. His long years of outstanding accomplishments and consistency in the crusade for the wellbeing of citizens had culminated in his legendary status. He is a great pride to Nigeria, Africa and the entire black race.

“He is a renowned advocate of truth, justice and equity, who always align with the populace in the clamour for good governance across the nation and globally. He has demonstrated this on many occasions by lending his voice on national and global issues in favour of the masses.

“As Prof. Soyinka clocks 89, I wish him good health and more years of meritorious service to our dear country, Nigeria, the African continent and the world,” he added.

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