The Ogun State Government has renamed the 5.7 kilometre Kemta-Olokuta-Idi-Aba road after the Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka.
This was disclosed by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at a programme put together by the State government tagged ” Celebration of Iconic and Legendary Kongi”, in honour of Soyinka, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
It will be recalled that Soyinka joined the nonagenarian age last Saturday, and he had since been celebrated across the globe for attaining the milestone.
The programme had in attendance the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Minister of Transportation, Hon.Rotimi Amaechi, foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by Funmi Sanni.
Others in attendance were traditional rulers led by the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; captains of Industry which included Chief Segun Osunkeye; Oloroogun Sunny Kuku among others .
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Abiodun described Soyinka as a world-class citizen based on his literary achievements, which earned him the prestigious title of the first Nobel Laureate in Literature in Africa.
He saluted Soyinka’s unwavering commitment towards the enthronement of democracy in the country and fight for social justice.
“Professor Wole Soyinka is a towering figure in literature A shining star over nations. He laid the foundation for giant works in arts and humanity. His works address contemporary issues.
“He is a colossus of an era. He has fearlessly challenged oppression and tyranny. He is a proud son of Ogun State,” he added.
The governor said his administration would continue to draw inspiration from Soyinka’s wealth of knowledge to pursue academic excellence in line with the ISEYA mantra of his government.
Osoba in his goodwill message said he came in contact with Professor Soyinka about 60 years ago.
The former governor and Akinrogun of Egbaland described Soyinka as a man of honour that deserves being celebrated.
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Oba Olugbenle also described as an Ambassador of culture and a distinguished Yoruba man.
While Anyaoku said Wole Soyinka is the pillar of all genres of literature.
“It is good that he was honoured with the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. He is a fearless man, full of courage. He is a champion of human rights and champion for human dignity,” said Anyaoku.
In his remarks, Soyinka, appreciated the Ogun State government for the honour done on him.
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