President Goodluck Jonathan Congratulates Prof. Wole Soyinka on His 80th Birthday

Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, has joined millions of Nigerians to celebrate literature icon, Prof. Wole Soyinka on his 80th birthday. In a statement signed by the President’s media adviser, Dr. Reuben Abati, yesterday night, “President Jonathan applauds his life-long dedication and indefatigable commitment to using his acclaimed genius and talents, not only in the service of the arts, but also for the promotion of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights in Nigeria, Africa and beyond”. Wole Soyinka, a Nobel laureate winner, author, poet, playwright, lecturer and social crusader was born July 13, 1934 at Abeokuta, Ogun state and is popularly known as WS. Read President Jonathan’s message to Wole Soyinka below: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan heartily congratulates Nigeria’s most famous living literary giant and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka as he attains the landmark age of 80 years today. President Jonathan felicitates with the globally-renowned academic, dramatist, poet and literary icon as he celebrates the attainment of another significant milestone in a long, very fulfilled and achievement-laden life. As he enters the elite club of the world’s highly revered octogenarians and very special people who have made very significant and indelible contributions to their countries and humanity, the President joins Prof. Soyinka, his family, friends, associates, readers and fans across the world in giving thanks to God Almighty for his glorious life of service to the arts, his nation and mankind at large. The President assures Prof. Soyinka that he will always be celebrated and honoured by his proud countrymen, women and children for his famed literary works and for his exemplary career which has inspired others to take up a life of selfless service to humanity. He wishes Prof. Soyinka happy 80th birthday celebrations and prays that God Almighty will grant him many more years of good health and strength to continue with his devotion to making the world a better place for his people and all who live in it.”