Skip to main content

President Tinubu Celebrates Prof Wole Soyinka on His 92nd Birthday

Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation's literary star, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, July 13. Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation- men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, who are not afraid to go against convention, and who do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice. I congratulate this globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and irrepressible advocate of good governance. I recall his winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to win the Prize in that category, as well as many other reputable awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize (Special Prize). I also recall Professor Soyinka's ...
Post a Comment

President Tinubu Celebrates Prof Wole Soyinka on His 92nd Birthday



Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation's literary star, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, July 13.


Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation- men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, who are not afraid to go against convention, and who do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice.


I congratulate this globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and irrepressible advocate of good governance.


I recall his winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to win the Prize in that category, as well as many other reputable awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize (Special Prize).


I also recall Professor Soyinka's valiant struggle against military dictatorship for decades, and his efforts in the June 12 struggle, for which we were both in the trenches.


Today, I salute one of our nation's living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage. That he is with us is a gift we will always treasure. I thank him for his undying faith in the Nigerian project and wise counsel.


As he marks this birthday, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on

generations of writers, scholars, and activists, as well as his sacrifices for our nation. I wish "Kongi" many more years in excellent health.


Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Post

Ondo REMASSO Re-elects Otunba Alabi Charles as President

— Alabi Pledges 24-Month Transformation Agenda, Donates ₦3m for Secretariat By Goke Williams Otunba Alaba Alabi Bamidele Charles has been re-elected President of the Real Estate Managers Association of Ondo State (REMASSO). The inauguration ceremony, held yesterday at the association’s secretariat in Ijapo, Akure, attracted prominent members of REMASSO’s Board of Trustees (BOT). In his acceptance speech on behalf of the newly inaugurated Executive Committee and the general membership, Otunba Alabi expressed deep appreciation to the BOT for the successful conduct of the programme. He described the trustees as “the pillars of the body.” The re-elected President pledged to surpass expectations within the next 24 months and outlined five major deliverables: the completion of the association’s new secretariat along Oda Road, the facilitation of its official commissioning, the replenishment of the association’s financial resources, strengthened commitment to members’ welfare, and the restora...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gov Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Inauguration Activities

  PRESS STATEMENT  ACTIVITIES FOR THE INAUGURATION OF GOVERNOR LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA & DEPUTY GOVERNOR OLAYIDE OWOLABI ADELAMI The inauguration ceremony of the Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami will hold on Monday, 24th of February, 2025. The Inauguration Steering Committee has therefore released the schedule of activities to mark the ceremony, starting on Friday, February 21, 2025 with a Jumat Service at the Akure Central Mosque by 1 pm. On Day 2, Saturday, February 22, 2025, there will be a Beach Sunsplash at Araromi Seaside in Ilaje Local Government Area by 11 am, with a World Press Conference to be addressed by Mr. Governor to showcase the tourism potential of the site.  On Day 3, a Church Thanksgiving Service will hold at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House, Oke-Ijebu, Akure, by 10 am. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the swearing-in ceremony of the Governor and Deputy Governor will tak...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hon (Prince) Wellington Adebawo Cautions Motorists Ahead of Tomorrow's Inauguration

Hon (Prince) Wellington Oriade Adebawo, the Special Assistant on Emergency Response to the Ondo State Governor, has advised motorists in the state, particularly in Akure metropolis, to drive cautiously and ensure strict adherence to the rules and regulations of the Nigeria Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).  He issued this plea in anticipation of the incoming inauguration of the Ondo State Governor-elect, who is also the incumbent Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa,  and the Ondo State Deputy Governor-elect, who is the current Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, mni. In a conversation with Gok Communications, he emphasised the importance of safe driving across the state, as numerous personalities, including party supporters from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, will be journeying to the venue of the inauguration, the Akure Sports Stadium Complex, before 10 am tomorrow. He extended his wishes for a safe journey to all those traveling from distant l...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Government of Ondo State Announces the Passing of SSG, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi

  PRESS RELEASE It is with profound sadness that the Government of Ondo State announces the passing of Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), on January 4, 2025.  He was involved in a ghastly car accident on Sunday, 15th  December, 2024, while traveling to Ibadan and was subsequently hospitalised. Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State. He served with distinction and played a crucial role in the state government, working closely with the Governor and other top officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Having served government in various capacities, including as Chairman of Akure South local government, Commissioner and twice as SSG, Hon. Oluwatuyi will forever be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the development of Ondo State. The Government of Ondo State extends its deepest co...
5 comments
Read more

Adeniyi Ijogun to Bag FUTA’s Hospitality Entrepreneurship Award

  By Goke Williams  The School of Logistics and Innovation Technology, Department of Entrepreneurship, Federal University of Technology, Akure, will confer an Award of Excellence in Hospitality Entrepreneurship on Dr. Adeniyi Ayodeji Ijogun, FNIQs, RQS, FSCIarb, MBA, MSc, FCE, FDM, CFIAR, MACostiE, Dip. Law, at its 2026 Annual Entrepreneurship Eminent Personality Lecture scheduled for tomorrow. Adeniyi will also serve as a Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.  FUTA cited his “immense contributions towards building Africa into an entrepreneurial and innovative continent in the 21st century,” as the underlying qualification. He is being honoured specifically for Excellence in Hospitality Entrepreneurship as Chairman of Premier Holiday Resorts, Igbara-Oke in Ondo State.  According to FUTA, the lecture commemorates World Creativity and Innovation Day and World Entrepreneurship Day, in line with United Nations International Observances on the role of entrepreneurship ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hon. Goke Williams Felicitates Comrade Sunday Afolayan on His Birthday

– Describes Him as Literary Luminary  Happy birthday to a literary luminary, Mr. Sunday Afolayan! Your eloquent words have resonated profoundly with hearts and minds, inspiring generations. Wishing a joyous birthday to a masterful wordsmith whose narratives have enchanted readers across the globe. On this momentous occasion, we honor not only your life but also the myriad lives you have touched through your teachings and writings.  Sir, your pen has crafted vivid worlds, ignited imaginations, provoked profound thoughts, and left an indelible imprint on the tapestry of literature. Here’s to many more years of literary brilliance! On your special day, we commemorate your extraordinary contributions to literature. It comes as no surprise that you have been re-elected, embarking on your second term as Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Ondo State Chapter. Your literary accomplishments stand as a testament to your unwavering dedication and fervor to educational develo...
2 comments
Read more

OGSA Alumni Celebrates Dr. Niyi Ijogun on Prestigious Award by AINPN

In a heartwarming congratulatory message, the Oyemekun Grammar School Akure Alumni Association Worldwide has celebrated their President, Dr. Niyi Ijogun, o n his outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to the association and the community at large. The statement, which is duly signed by its Global General Secretary, Comrade Rotimi Boboye, and Global Publicity Secretary, Reverend Ayoola Ikulamberu, is presented as follows: HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. NIYI IJOGUN, FNIQS, ON PRESTIGIOUS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HUMANITARIAN EXCELLENCE AWARD – TRIBUTE TO A TRUE LEADER The Oyemekun Grammar School Akure Alumni Association Worldwide extends its warmest congratulations to its esteemed President, Dr. Niyi Ijogun, on his outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to the association and the community. Dr. Ijogun's visionary leadership and tireless efforts have significantly advanced the mission and objectives of the association, profoundly impacting the lives of many....
2 comments
Read more

OGSA 2001 Set Exco Pays Hon (Dr) Gbenga Fasua Congratulatory Visit

– Awards Him with Distinguished Member of OGSA 2001 Set The Oyemekun Grammar School Akure Old Students' Association 2001 Set, represented by its Executive Members, has paid a congratulatory visit to the newly elected Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Hon (Dr) Gbega Fasua, at his office over the weekend. Pastor (Barr) Dare Daniels, the Chairman of the Set, led the delegation and officially conveyed congratulations to Hon Gbenga Fasua on behalf of the OGSA 2001 Set. He emphasised the importance of offering unwavering support and safeguarding the reputation of the local government leader, not only because he belongs to the set but also due to his exceptional hospitality. In expressing the set's commitment to supporting the local council chairman, Pastor Dare Daniels stated: "Hon Chairman, please feel free to call upon us whenever you require support, as we are standing solidly behind you." He advised Hon Fasua to seize the opportunity of his position to leav...
2 comments
Read more

Ondo Deputy Governor Attends 60th Birthday Thanksgiving, Investiture of CCC Agunloye Cathedral’s Iya Eso

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, mni, was among dignitaries at the 60th Birthday Thanksgiving Service and Investiture of Lace Superior Elder Sister Mercy Daudu as Iya Eso 2026 of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agunloye Cathedral, Ondo State Archdiocesan Headquarters, Agunloye Lane, Isinkan in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Sunday. In his remarks, Dr Adelami congratulated Lace Superior Elder Sister Mercy Daudu on the well-deserved recognition, praying that God would grant her greater wisdom, strength, and grace to excel in her new spiritual responsibility. He also commended the church leadership and members for their commitment to nurturing the younger generation in the fear of God through the Juvenile Harvest Celebration. The Deputy Governor used the occasion to pray for the speedy release of children still in captivity. “May this milestone inspire continued unity, love, and selfless service within the body of Christ and our society at large,” he said. In attendance ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Goke Williams Celebrates Mr. Tope Akin-Adeleye on His Birthday

   – Pens Heartfelt Wishes in His Honor In his words: "Today, I joyfully celebrate a remarkable father figure who occupies a cherished space in my heart. You possess a jovial trait, and your humility, coupled with your down-to-earth nature make you an extraordinary individual, and it is truly inspiring. Sir, your ability to effortlessly mingle with people of all ages, especially the youth, creates an atmosphere of camaraderie as if they were your contemporaries–this is a testament to your unique character. "Though you lovingly refer to me as: 'Ore,' which only deepens the special bond we share. I am profoundly honored to call you my own 'Daddy.' "I wholeheartedly celebrate your uniqueness, humility, and caring disposition. You have consistently invested in my progress, for which I am sincerely grateful. Your intellectual prowess is evident, and it is little wonder that you have ascended to the esteemed position of Director within the Ondo State Ministry, ...
2 comments
Read more