The Ogun State government has awarded scholarships to nine students for performing creditably well in an essay competition held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital to mark the 90th birthday celebration of Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.
Penpushing reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun while speaking at the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme held at Prof. Soyinka’s ARI residence, Ijegba, Abeokuta, disclosed that the students would also be given a laptop each for their efforts.
The Governor explained that the gesture was to encourage the beneficiaries to keep writing as well as motivate other students to participate in the next edition of the competition, describing Soyinka as the most celebrated black African, who has excelled in his chosen career.
Penpushing further reports that Abiodun pointed out that as a way of bringing about change and prosperity in Nigeria and around the world, it is imperative to engage the youth and ensure that their thinking and goals are oriented toward progress for the motherland and humanity.
The Governor added that the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) was established to honour the legacy of the Nobel Laureate and reflect his lifelong commitment to education, cultural exchange, and nurturing future leaders.
Penpushing also reports that he emphasized that the initiative underscores his values, which include justice, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence in the arts and humanities, stressing that this year’s theme, ‘Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-building (E.N.I.O.G.U.N),’ perfectly encapsulates Soyinka’s profound commitment to creating a just and equitable world.
‘The WSICE consists of three aspects – essay competition, the advocacy, and the performing arts, which include poetry, drama, and the spoken word. We celebrate a project that, for over 14 years, has upheld his ideals and vision. There is no doubt that the Nobel Laureate has optimally utilised the inherent values and wisdom of African culture and tradition in his global engagement as a world citizen of African descent.
“The mission and underlying objectives of WSICE are clear and commendable. They seek to create unity among mankind regardless of nationality, culture, or religion by focusing on youth as the future of humanity, in line with the thoughts and guiding principles of Professor Wole Soyinka’, he stated.
Penpushing reports that the governor explained that the project was designed to serve as a beacon, illuminating the path for future thinkers who are passionate about the progress and betterment of humanity, pledging that the state would take ownership of the event to make it international.
The Nobel Laureate speaking while answering questions from children on his life experiences for the past 90 years, explained that he did not envisage living up to 90, adding that he decided to be a writer to correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up.
Penpushing further reports that, out of the 383 students who participated in the competition, 90 were chosen and later pruned to nine which include Alabi Oluwanifemi who eventually emerged the best essayist, Okoye Collins John came second, while Adebusi Adeoluwa finished third.
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