Abiodun marks Soyinka's 90th birthday with scholarship awards to best student essayists

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To mark the 90th birthday anniversary of Professor Wole Soyinka, the Ogun State Government has awarded scholarships to nine students.

The students were outstanding in an essay competition to mark the 90th birthday celebration of Soyinka.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who spoke at the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme held at Soyinka’s ARI Residence, Ijegba in Abeokuta on Monday, said the students would also be given laptop each for their efforts.

The Governor said the aim is to encourage the beneficiaries to keep writing and motivate other students to participate in the next edition of the competition.

Abiodun, who described the Noble Laureate as the most celebrated black African, who has excelled in his chosen career, stated 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.

Governor Abiodun said the project was 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.

During a question and answer session from children, Soyinka said 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 Nigerians for always critising the State but refused to examine themselves.

He noted that crimes like kidnapping and robbery, among others, are not because of poverty or inequality, but selfishness and the desire to live a luxury life.

He lauded Governor Abiodun for helping in developing the environment around his abode and saving it from degradation, even as he emphasized that this has led to his not abandoning the country.

The 2024 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme drew students from different parts of the country who participated in an essay competition on national and international topics.

About 383 students participated in the competition, 90 were chosen, while nine were selected with Alabi Oluwanifemi emerging the best essayist, Okoye Collins John came second, while Adebusi Adeoluwa, came third.