The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, a UNESCO Category II Institute, has held an international colloquium in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. ..Read Full Article
The event held recent with the theme, “Wole Soyinka: Culture, Activism & Social Justice”, had in attendance scholars and cultural enthusiasts to reflect on Soyinka’s monumental contributions.
Speaking at the event, the Dean of the School of Tourism, Film, Performing Arts, and Cultural Studies at the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Tunji Azeez, emphasised the importance of educating young Nigerians about their history through literature.
Azeez, who highlighted Soyinka’s works as essential reading for understanding Nigerian and African cultures, commended the renaming of the National Theatre in Soyinka’s honour, calling it a fitting tribute to his cultural and literary achievements.
Professor Sola Olorunyomi of the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State lauded Soyinka’s multifaceted legacy, noting his profound sense of justice and linguistic prowess.
Olorunyomi expressed hope that Soyinka’s life would inspire future generations to strive for social justice and conflict resolution.
On his part, the Director of the TETFUND Centre for Excellence for Diaspora Studies, Prof. Shenayon Olaoluwa, stressed the importance of continuing Soyinka’s legacy of social activism.
Olaoluwa urged younger generations to discover and develop their talents and ensure the continuity of Soyinka’s impactful work.
Also speaking, a student of Soyinka and a Professor of History, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, lauded the Nobel Laureate’s commitment to education and social reform.
He described Soyinka as “a visionary who has consistently championed justice, free speech, and good governance, often at great personal risk.”
The Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin Aroyinkeye 1, highlighted the colloquium’s role in fostering hope for Nigeria’s future.
The traditional ruler commended the Centre for bringing people together to learn from past mistakes and work towards a better Nigeria.
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