Soyinka: I Never Expected To live Up To 90

Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, has said he never thought he would live up to the age of 90 years. Soyinka, who was born on July 13, 1934, turned 90 on Saturday. The Nigerian playwright explained that he decided to be a writer to correct some anomalies in stories he listened to while growing up. He […]

Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, has said he never thought he would live up to the age of 90 years.

Soyinka, who was born on July 13, 1934, turned 90 on Saturday.

The Nigerian playwright explained that he decided to be a writer to correct some anomalies in stories he listened to while growing up.

He spoke while fielding questions from about 383 students who participated in the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme held in Soyinka’s ARI residence, Ijegba, Abeokuta.

Asked why he broke into a radio station during the military era, he 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 demoralised the people and established the culture of brutality.”

He tackled Nigerians for always criticising the state but unwilling to examine themselves.

Soyinka specifically said crimes such as kidnapping and robbery could not be blamed on poverty or inequality, but on selfishness and the desire to live a life of luxury.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the Noble Laureate as the most celebrated black African, who had excelled in his chosen career.

The governor said the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange was established to honour the playwright’s legacy and reflect on his lifelong commitment to education, cultural exchange, and nurturing future leaders.

Abiodun added that the initiative underscored Soyinka’s values, which include justice, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence in the arts and humanities.