Human rights activist, Dr Joe Odumakin, don congratulate Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on im 92nd birthday, saying im life na reflection of Nigeria wey get wahala for history.
For a goodwill message wey she release on Sunday, Odumakin tok say Soyinka im journey show say im don commit to di ideals wey Nigeria don pursue over di years.
She call di literary icon Nigeria “permanent ambassador plenipotentiary,” and she note say im global reputation and im contributions to literature don remain positive representation of di kontri for international level.
“As a Nobel Laureate, im remain Nigeria permanent Ambassador plenipotentiary. Im towering image for di global community of letters na prominent positive component of our nation international visage,” she tok.
Odumakin praise Soyinka dedication to public service and im commitment to defend justice, saying im contributions don earn am place for Nigeria history.
She also commend am for consistently standing against injustice and oppression, while wey she wish am good health and continued strength.
President Bola Tinubu don also pay glowing tribute to Nobel Laureate and Nigeria literary icon, Professor Oluwole Soyinka as im clock 92 on Monday, July 13, 2026.
For a release wey im issue on Sunday, di President describe Prof Soyinka as a globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and irrepressible advocate of good governance.
Tinubu, for di seven-paragraph tribute, tok: “Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation literary star, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, on im 92nd birthday, July 13.
“Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka no dey come often for a generation—men wey dey illuminate di paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, wey no dey fear to go against convention, and wey no let di man die for di face of oppression and injustice.
“I congratulate this globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and irrepressible advocate of good governance.
“I recall im winning di Nobel Prize for Literature for 1986, becoming di first African to win di Prize for dat category, as well as many oda reputable awards, like di Benson Medal from di Royal Society of Literature; di Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; di Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Lifetime Achievement); and di Europe Theatre Prize (Special Prize).
“I also recall Professor Soyinka valiant struggle against military dictatorship for decades, and im efforts for di June 12 struggle, for which we both dey for di trenches.
“Today, I salute one of our nation living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage. Dat im dey with us na gift wey we go always treasure. I thank am for im undying faith for di Nigerian project and wise counsel.
“As im mark dis birthday, I join di world for celebrating im profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists, as well as im sacrifices for our nation. I wish ‘Kongi’ many more years for excellent health.”
Also on Sunday, di President rejoice with Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings, Mr Kabir Shagaya on im 40th birthday, commending im contributions to enterprise development, strategic investment, innovation, and national development.
Tinubu, for a release wey im Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga issue, join family, friends, business associates, and well-wishers for celebrating a distinguished professional wey im career don mark by commitment to expanding economic opportunity, mobilising investment, and building institutions wey dey create lasting value across Nigeria and di African continent.
Di President note say, through im leadership at Cavista Holdings, Mr Shagaya don help shape investments for agriculture, technology, hospitality, and financial services, while advancing initiatives wey dey strengthen value chains, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable development.
Tinubu also acknowledge Mr Shagaya record of public service and entrepreneurship, including im contributions to investment promotion, climate resilience, and humanitarian interventions.
Im recall say Mr Shagaya logistics expertise dey among di private-sector capabilities wey dem deploy to support Nigeria response to di Ebola outbreak, reflecting im longstanding commitment to national service for moments of critical need.
Di President further commend di work of TAG Africa under Mr Shagaya leadership for partnering with governments, institutions, and di private sector to deliver social impact initiatives, including distributing relief materials to vulnerable communities across di kontri.
Tinubu pray say Almighty Allah go grant Mr Shagaya continued good health, wisdom, and strength as im celebrate im 40th birthday, and wish am many more years of purposeful service, impactful leadership, and fulfilment.
