In continuation of the 90th birthday celebration of the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, the Ogun State Government, South West Nigeria has awarded scholarships to nine students who performed creditably well in an essay competition.
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About 383 students participated in the 2024 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme, 90 were chosen, while nine were selected with Alabi Oluwanifemi emerging as the best essayist, Okoye Collins John coming second, and Adebusi Adeoluwa, coming third.
The Programme drew students from different parts of the country who participated in an essay competition on national and international topics.
Speaking at the 2024 edition of the Programme held at Prof. Soyinka’s ARI residence, Ijegba, Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun, said they would also be given laptops each for their efforts.
The gesture Governor Abiodun emphasized is to encourage the beneficiaries to keep writing as well as motivate other students to participate in the next edition of the competition.
While describing the Noble Laureate as the most celebrated black African, who has excelled in his chosen career, the Governor noted that as the key to bringing about change and prosperity in Nigeria and around the world, It is imperative to engage the youth and ensure that their thinking and goals are oriented toward progress for the motherland and humanity.
The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange program was established to honour the legacy and reflects Prof. Soyinka’s lifelong commitment to education, cultural exchange, and nurturing future leaders.
The initiative also underscores Prof. Soyinka values, which include justice, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence in the arts and humanities.
According to Governor Abiodun, this year’s theme, “Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building (E.N.I.O.G.U.N),” perfectly encapsulates Professor Soyinka’s profound commitment to creating a just and equitable world.
The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange program consists of three aspects: essay competition, advocacy, and performing arts, including poetry, drama, and Spoken Word.
The Governor said: “We celebrate a project that, for over 14 years, has upheld his ideals and vision. There is no doubt that the Nobel Laureate has optimally utilized the inherent values and wisdom of African culture and tradition in his global engagement as a world citizen of African descent.
“The mission and underlying objectives of the program are clear and commendable. They seek to create unity among mankind regardless of nationality, culture, or religion by focusing on youth as the future of humanity, in line with the thoughts and guiding principles of Professor Wole Soyinka.”
The project, Abiodun said is designed to serve as a beacon, illuminating the path for future thinkers who are passionate about the progress and betterment of humanity, pledging that the State would take ownership of the event to make it international.
Speaking while answering questions from children on his life experiences for the past 90 years, Prof. Soyinka said that he did not envisage living up to 90, adding that he decided to be a writer to correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up.
On why he broke into a radio station during the military era, the Nobel Laureate said: “I never broke into a radio station, but sneaked in. The radio station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralized the people and established the culture of brutality.”
He chided some citizens for always criticizing the State but refused to examine themselves, noting that crimes like kidnapping and robbery, among others, are not because of poverty or inequality, but selfishness and the desire to live a luxurious lifestyle.
Prof. Soyinka lauded Governor Abiodun for developing the environment around his abode and saving it from degradation.
