By Seyi Gesinde
June 13, 2025
Africa’s literary giant and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, today marked his 91st birthday with a dazzling celebration of art, culture, and ideas that spanned two continents, reaffirming his towering influence on literature, activism, and the African conscience.
The day’s festivities in Abeokuta, Ogun State, were the opening act of the 16th Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE), an annual programme that has grown into a global platform for dialogue, youth empowerment, and cultural expression.
This year’s theme, “Decolonisation of African Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership,” set the tone for the event, blending reverence for the past with an unflinching gaze toward the continent’s future.
In Soyinka’s serene Ijegba Forest of Literature, a space he personally sculpted as a sanctuary of thought and creativity, guests were treated to a rich tapestry of performances, including a youth talent showcase, an all-female drumming ensemble, an art exhibition, film screenings, poetry recitations, and a live concert.
The WSICE will continue later this month in London, where a series of panels and performances are scheduled for July 24 and 25, further underscoring the laureate’s global footprint.
National tributes pour in
Joining the chorus of admiration, President Bola Tinubu described Soyinka as an “uncommon patriot” and a “massive source of inspiration” to generations of Nigerians and the world at large.
“I deeply value our personal relationship, which has spanned decades of mutual respect and collaboration,” Tinubu said in a statement, adding, “At 91, you remain a beacon of intellectual courage and moral clarity, and I pray for your continued good health and wisdom.”
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Soyinka’s enduring relevance as a public intellectual and fearless critic was echoed by cultural and political leaders, artists, and young Nigerians alike, many of whom praised his unyielding commitment to truth and justice.
A legacy still in motion
Born July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Wole Soyinka became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, a milestone that cemented his place as one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Beyond his prolific output of plays, poetry, and essays, Soyinka has spent decades as a human rights advocate, educator, and mentor to generations of African writers and thinkers.
At 91, his passion for engaging with the most pressing issues of our time remains undiminished.
The WSICE, which he founded, has become a dynamic space where young Africans confront the legacies of colonialism and envision new pathways for leadership and creativity.
As the sun set over the Ijegba Forest and the drums of celebration resounded, it was clear that Wole Soyinka’s story, and his impact, is far from over.
