Soyinka, popularly referred to as ‘Kongi’ by members of the literary world, celebrated this year’s birthday in his country home in Abeokuta. He said it would be wrong for the younger ones to toe his path, apparently referring to his incessant criticisms of bad government.
The Nobel Laurate said it could be "problematic" to do so.
The professor, who hosted 77 children drawn from all parts of the country to celebrate with him,added that the younger generation should not keep labouring to be another Wole Soyinka.
"Don’t try to be Wole Soyinka because I could hear when the Master of Ceremonies (MC) said you should all be like Soyinka. Don’t be like Wole Soyinka because it could be problematic. People should not try to emulate me, especially the younger ones. It will be wrong to do so.
The children were part of those that participated in an essay competition to mark Soyinka’s birthday. Miss Haliya Ibrahim from Kaduna State emerged winner.
She thanked the host for the privilege given to her to visit him and be part of the 77th birthday anniversary.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, who was there to felicitate with Kongi, extolled Soyinka’s virtues.
He said: "The significance of Soyinka’s birthday is not in the number being marked or in the monotony of the yearly rituals, but the celebration of life that has been dedicated to the struggle for an egalitarian society."
Amosun said Soyinka fought injustice wherever he observed it, adding that his life would be a challenge as well as encouragement to younger generation to aspire for greatness and excellence in any worthy endeavour.
"He has been a consistent critic of many military dictators and political tyrants worldwide. No wonder some of his admirers and critics alike also call him Kongi. It is remarkable that he hosting of the 77 children symbolises the demonstration of the journey so far and inject aspiration in those children who are the leaders of tomorrow.
" He is a creative challenge and encouragement to these children who invariably would become writers, doctors, lawyers, politicians and leaders. Prof. Wole Soyinka is an example for all of us to emulate, even though he said it is difficult to be a Wole Soyinka, we all agree with that. He is an epitome of respectability, resistance, commitment, and doggedness. I am sure we are particularly lucky to have learnt a lot from him," he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of the education sector.
"We believe that free and qualitative education will give our youths the needed impetus. I want to seize this opportunity to enjoin Nigerians to learn to appreciate those who have genuinely contributed to the growth and development of our society, while they are still leaving. It goes a long way in encouraging others to do their best to their immediate community and the larger society," he said.
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