The British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE), held a memorable event to celebrate the renowned literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who clocked 90.
The colourful event tagged: “A Creative Evening with Wole Soyinka,” held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence in Lagos brought together public officials, corporate executives, diplomats, youth leaders, decision-makers in social and cultural circles, and others who had the opportunity to interact with the nonagenarian and human rights advocate as he shared his ideas about good governance and nation-building.
Featuring youth creative expressions in poetry, fine art, music, fashion, and cultural displays, the event remarkably spotlighted a captivating fireside chat on the theme, “Youth Engagement towards Nation-building and Good Governance.”
The heart of the event was the opening of the “NINE Seasons of Wole Soyinka” exhibition, which spans the laureate’s illustrious legacy from 1934 to the present, highlighting his monumental contributions to art, culture, humanity, youth development and struggle for freedom and justice.
Each of the nine paintings also symbolises a different aspect of Soyinka’s life and work, reflecting his exceptional brilliance and establishing him as a Global Icon and Literary Juggernaut.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, who spoke at the reception, expressed joy and honour to have Soyinka at an Art and Cultural Night at the Commission to show the immense impact on young Nigerians.
Baxter noted that Nigerian art as a sector had the potential to drive the nation’s economy for needed growth if given adequate attention by the government, pledging that the British Commission would also collaborate to ensure the success of the Creative Industry.
He said this accounted for why the UK government recently delivered two Creatives trade missions focused on film, TV, fashion retail, and beauty to help drive this sector and expand the UK-Nigeria trade relationship, which had blossomed in recent years.
“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 Creatives 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,” he said.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who joined the event virtually, in his remark, lauded the Commission for honouring the Creative Icon, describing Soyinka as the needed light for youth towards nation-building.
He noted that youth engagement was crucial for achieving good governance in Nigeria as, according to him, ignoring the youth who constituted about 70 percent of nation’s population in policy-making means ignoring the majority, which is dangerous for any economy.
“Youth engagement is crucial for achieving good governance in Nigeria. With 70% 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 1billion Naira cooperative support fund to empower youth-led enterprises and dedicated 20% 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,” the governor said.
Prof. Soyinka, in his own remark during the event, charged youths to take the future of Nigeria now by adding value through deliberate effort in Art and creative innovations, as well as asking the right questions to chart a perfect course for an enviable tomorrow for the country.
According to the Nobel Laureate, young people can significantly contribute to nation-building by cultivating the habit of curiosity, saying that this “begins with questioning and looking beyond the surface of things, which leads to creating alternative perspectives and innovative solutions.”
“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,” he argued.
Also speaking, the Project Director of Wole Soyinka At 90, Foluke Michael, said that the journey to 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.
The project director hinted that the celebration of Soyinka’s legacy would extend beyond July 31, 2024, saying that over the next nine months, the “Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka” exhibition would tour the world, both physically and virtually.
She said the celebration aimed to bring the global humanist’s profound impact to a global audience while inspiring future generations and cementing his legacy in the annals of history.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
