Numerous prominent Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari and his rival Atiku Abubakar, have sent birthday greetings to Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka on his 85th birthday anniversary.
The Nigerian playwright, who is also a poet and essayist with many accolades to his name, was born on July 13, 1934.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Professor Soyinka did not only excel in the academia but had also earned himself respect for lending his voice at critical moments in the country’s history.
“President Buhari joins family and friends of the cerebral academic in celebrating the many years of laudable achievements, recognition, awards, and consistency, all which have cumulated in pride to Nigerians, Africans and the black race.
“The President salutes Prof Soyinka for his intellectual momentum, interventions on state issues and polity through articles and comments, penchant for justice, and persistence in holding leaders to account.
“As he clocks 85, President Buhari affirms that Prof Soyinka’s lifestyle sends a message to all Nigerians and Africans, especially the younger generation, that real success is measured by the intangibles of courage and impact brought to the life of others, rather than pursuit of personal interests.
“The President congratulates the literary giant for projecting Nigerian and African values to the world, wishing him more years of health, wisdom and service to the nation and humanity,” Buhari said.
On the same breath, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar said prof. Soyinka is a national treasure.
“Happy 85th birthday Professor Oluwole Soyinka. I would have used the word icon to describe you, but you are beyond that. You are an institution. An institution of literary excellence and conscientious activism. A national treasure, you are Nigeria’s pride and a beacon to Africa.
In wishing you many more years of life, I celebrate the fact that, like wine, you are getting better with age. We have a lot to thank you for. From putting us on the Nobel map, to getting FRSC up & running, and expanding the minds of our youth. We can never thank you enough,” Atiku added.
Shehu Sani, former Kaduna senator, said Mr Soyinka is the conscience of the nation.
“Happy 85th Birthday to Professor Wole Soyinka. The Conscience of the Nation.”
Activist, Aisha Yesufu, said the professor has been fighting for Nigeria since his 20s.
“Professor Wole Soyinka is 85 years old. He has been fighting for Nigeria since he was in his 20s and yet some #OxygenWastingCitizens some in their 20s are waiting for him to be the one to speak or protest on their behalf while they hide behind their keypads!” she wrote on Twitter.
