… Calls on Parents to Foster Children’s Creative Potential
Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has today declared open an art exhibition at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
The exhibition, tagged “Wole Soyinka In The Lens of Artists”, features over 58 artistic drawings and exhibitors curated by the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Ogun State Chapter, under the chairmanship of Dr. Oladimeji Oluwagbenga.
In his opening remarks, the Alake praised Soyinka’s contributions to Nigerian and world literature, describing him as a “literary giant, icon of intellectualism, and champion of human rights”.
He congratulated Soyinka on his 90th birthday and thanked him for his tireless dedication to the advancement of humanity.
The Alake also charged parents to encourage their children’s talents and passions, stating that “the creative industry is a vital sector that needs to be nurtured and grown.
“We must encourage our children to explore their creative talents, and provide them with the necessary support and resources to grow and succeed”, Alake said.
On his part, the Chairman of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Oladimeji Oluwagbenga, appreciated the Alake’s support and patronage of the arts, and thanked the artists and curators for their efforts.
“As we gather here today, we are not only here to celebrate Professor Wole Soyinka’s achievements, but also to acknowledge the impact he has had on our lives and our work”.
“We are grateful for his contributions to Nigerian and World literature, and we honor his legacy by continuing to create, inspire, and push the boundaries of artistic expression”.
“I want to thank the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for his support and patronage of arts. I also appreciate the efforts of our artists and curators who have worked tirelessly to make this exhibition a success”, he added.
The exhibition showcases a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, all celebrating the life and legacy of Professor Wole Soyinka.
The artworks were created by various Nigerian artists, each offering their unique perspective on Soyinka’s life, work, and impact.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including traditional rulers, government officials, artists, and literary enthusiasts. The exhibition will run until July 13, and it is open to the public.
The celebration of Soyinka’s 90th birthday is a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on Nigerian and world literature.
The art exhibition is a fitting tribute to a man who has inspired generations through his writing, activism, and leadership.
The Man Wole Soyinka
Wole Soyinka is a celebrated Nigerian playwright, poet, essayist, and political activist, born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This Nobel Laureate’s writing explores Nigerian culture, politics, and history, and he is renowned for his powerful and provocative works, which have earned him international recognition and acclaim.
Soyinka’s literary career spans over six decades, and his notable works include plays such as “The Lion and the Jewel” (1959), “The Trials of Brother Jero” (1960), “A Dance of the Forests” (1960), and “Death and the King’s Horseman” (1975).
He has also written poetry collections like “Mandela’s Earth and Other Poems” (1988) and “Samarkand and Other Markets I Have Known” (2002), as well as essays like “The Open Sore of a Continent” (1996) and memoirs like “Aké: The Years of Childhood” (1981) and “Isara: A Voyage Around Essay” (1990).
As a Nobel Laureate, Soyinka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, recognizing his contributions to world literature.
He is also a vocal critic of political oppression and social injustice, and has been involved in various movements, including protests against the Nigerian government’s execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa in 1995.
Soyinka has been imprisoned for his activism and has lived in exile, but continues to be an important voice in Nigerian and global literary circles.
He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize (1986) and the Honorary Fellowship of the Modern Language Association (1990).
Soyinka is a professor emeritus at Harvard University and has taught at various universities around the world. Despite his accomplishments, Soyinka remains humble and committed to using his writing and activism to promote social justice and human rights.
