Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka made a surprising revelation that he never expected that he could celebrate 90th birthday.
He said he never thought he would live to be 90 years old.
This statement was made while he addressing students participating in the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme with approximately 383 students attending the programme.
The event was held at his ARI residence in Ijegba, Abeokuta.
During the event, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, announced scholarships and laptops for nine students who excelled in an essay competition.
The competition was organized to celebrate Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
Born on July 13, 1934, Soyinka turned 90 on Saturday.
Reflecting on his life, Soyinka mentioned that he did not foresee reaching 90 years of age and shared that his decision to become a writer stemmed from a desire to correct inaccuracies in the stories he heard while growing up.
He also praised Governor Abiodun for his efforts in improving the environment around his residence, preventing degradation, and contributing to his decision to remain in the country.
Speaking at the programme, Abiodun emphasised that the scholarships and laptops were intended to encourage the students to continue writing and to motivate others to participate in future editions of the competition.
