Young members of the African diaspora, alongside students, academics, artists and the wider public will once again have the rare privilege of engaging directly with the Nobel Laureate in another mentorship conversation and interactive question and answer session.
This man, Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel prize winner in literature, for decades, has quietly resisted the temptation of making his birthday the centrepiece of public celebration. Rather than bask in accolades, he has preferred reflection, retreat and, perhaps most importantly, a return to what has defined much of his life’s work: engaging minds. Except when he turned 90, when the Federal Government named the National Theatre after him and elaborate ceremony was organised on October 1 , 2024. He always avoided loud celebration on his birthday.
Those close to him speak of his eagerness to once again welcome the young participants and continue a dialogue that has endured for nearly two decades.
From Ijegba to London, the message remains the same: culture transcends geography; ideas know no borders; and dialogue remains one of humanity’s greatest instruments of progress.
Celebrations span Lagos, Abuja, and London. The events centre around literary exhibitions, a major book launch, and a global cultural exchange.
On July 13, 2026, friends, admirers, scholars, and lovers of literature will gather in Abuja to celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Professor Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in
Literature, as he marks his 92nd Birthday.
As part of this celebration, Prof Adesoji Adesugba’s new book, Ideas Do Not Die: Prof. Wole Soyinka and the Philosophy of Moral Rebellion, will be launched.
