By Ayomide Otitoju
The Ogun State Government has awarded scholarships to nine students who excelled in an essay competition celebrating the 90th birthday of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced that the students would also receive laptops for their outstanding efforts.
Speaking at the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme held at Prof. Soyinka’s ARI residence in Ijegba, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun expressed hope that the gesture would encourage the winners to continue writing and inspire other students to participate in future competitions.
Governor Abiodun described Prof. Soyinka as the most celebrated black African in his chosen career. He emphasized the importance of engaging the youth to ensure their thinking and goals are oriented towards progress for Nigeria and humanity. The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) was established to honor Prof. Soyinka’s legacy and his lifelong commitment to education, cultural exchange, and nurturing future leaders. The initiative reflects his values of justice, freedom, and excellence in the arts and humanities.
This year’s WSICE theme, “Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building (E.N.I.O.G.U.N),” encapsulates Prof. Soyinka’s commitment to creating a just and equitable world. The program includes essay competitions, advocacy, and performing arts such as poetry, drama, and spoken word.
“We celebrate a project that, for over 14 years, has upheld his ideals and vision,” said Governor Abiodun. He highlighted the mission of WSICE to create unity among mankind regardless of nationality, culture, or religion by focusing on youth as the future of humanity, aligning with Prof. Soyinka’s principles.
Governor Abiodun pledged that the state would take ownership of the event to make it international. Prof. Soyinka, reflecting on his life, mentioned he did not expect to live to 90 and became a writer to correct anomalies from stories he heard growing up. He explained his actions during the military era, noting he “sneaked into” a radio station to retrieve an item that would have demoralized the people and established a culture of brutality.
Prof. Soyinka criticized Nigerians for not examining themselves while always criticizing the state. He noted that crimes like kidnapping and robbery stem from selfishness and a desire for luxury, rather than poverty or inequality. He also lauded Governor Abiodun for developing the environment around his residence, which has kept him from abandoning the country.
The 2024 WSICE attracted students nationwide, with 383 participants in the essay competition. From these, 90 were chosen, and nine emerged as top essayists. Alabi Oluwanifemi was the best essayist, followed by Okoye Collins John and Adebusi Adeoluwa in second and third place, respectively.
