The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos State, in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE), has celebrated the literary icon at 90.
Tagged ‘A Creative Evening with Wole Soyinka’, the event held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, brought together public officials, corporate executives, diplomats, youth leaders, and others.
The event featured youth creative expressions in poetry, fine art, music, fashion, and cultural displays, and a captivating fireside chat on ‘Youth Engagement towards Nation-building and Good Governance’.
There was also the opening of the ‘NINE Seasons of Wole Soyinka’ exhibition, which spans the laureate’s illustrious legacy from 1934 to the present, highlighting his contributions to art, culture, humanity, youth development, and the struggle for freedom and justice.
Each of the nine paintings symbolized a different aspect of Soyinka’s life and work, reflecting his brilliance and establishing him as a global icon.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, noted that Nigerian art has the potential to drive the country’s economy for needed growth if the government gives it adequate attention. He added that the British Commission will collaborate to ensure the success of the Nigerian creative industry.
He said: “I am pleased to host this creative evening with Wole Soyinka, to celebrate the immense legacy of a great literary icon whose contributions have profoundly impacted youth engagement in the Nigerian creative sector.
“Nigeria’s creative economy holds immense potential for driving economic growth, fostering cultural diversity, and empowering communities across the country. The UK Government is committed to a strategic partnership of lasting mutual benefit with Nigeria, which is why we recently delivered two creative trade missions focused on film, TV, fashion retail, and beauty to help drive this sector and expand the UK-Nigeria trade relationship, which has blossomed in recent years.”
Abia state governor Alex Otti, who joined the event virtually, praised the Commission for honouring Soyinka.
He said: “Youth engagement is crucial for achieving good governance in Nigeria. With 70 percent of our population being youths, ignoring them in policy-making means ignoring the majority, which is dangerous for any economy.
“In Abia, we have initiated a N1 billion cooperative support fund to empower youth-led enterprises, and dedicated 20 percent of our 2024 budget to education. We must be deliberate and intentional in supporting our young people to ensure they are prepared to compete in the global economy.”
Soyinka admonished youths to take the future of Nigeria now through deliberate and intentional effort in art and creative innovations. , He said: “Young people can significantly contribute to nation-building by cultivating the habit of curiosity. It begins with questioning and looking beyond the surface of things, which leads to creating alternative perspectives and innovative solutions. Young Nigerians aspiring to make a difference must also recognise the importance of building a supportive team that shares their vision.
“Understanding community responsibility and leveraging collective skills can transform simple ideas into impactful innovations. Always remember that individual and collective curiosity, supported by a nurturing community, leads to meaningful contributions.”
Project Director of ‘Wole Soyinka at 90’, Foluke Michael, said the journey to Prof Wole Soyinka’s grand celebration began in May 2024 with the African I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y project, featuring ‘90 Poems, 90 Locations in 9 Countries’, a poetry roadshow across nine countries, and “The Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka’, which began with a live painting in Italy.
She added: “The celebration of Soyinka’s legacy continues even beyond July 31. Over the next nine months, the ‘Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka’ exhibition will tour the world, both physically and virtually. It aims to bring the global humanist’s impact to a global audience, inspiring future generations and cementing his legacy in the annals of history.”
