As the Nobel laureate, Prof. Role Soyinka, clocks 85 today (Saturday), President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled his virtues and described him as a universal brand.
Buhari said Soyinka was one of Nigeria’s greatest prides and one who has used his immense talents and courage to contribute to the development of the nation.
The relationship between Buhari and Soyinka has been cold and hot depending on matters arising.
During the 2015 election, Soyinka described Buhari and his closest rival, former President Goodluck Jonathan, as two poor options but preferred Buhari as the manageable of the two uninspiring options.
In the early days of the Bihari government, Soyinka paid him one or two visits, an indication that he was discussing some national matters with the President.
But he soon began to criticize the government based on some policies and programmes he, like many other Nigerians, found unfavorable.
The latest blow he seemed to have given the government is his last week’s stern criticism of the RYUA cattle settlement the government has been promoting but suspended the following day.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, sent warm greetings to Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, who turns 85 years on Saturday (today).
The President has, however, found Soyinka’s 85th birthday as an auspicious moment to celebrate him.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, contained Buhari’s felicitations to Soyinka.
He noted that Soyinka did not only excel in the academia but had also earned himself respect for lending his voice at critical moments in the country’s history.
The President called Soyinka a man of “courage”, whose selflessness was worthy of emulation by the younger generation of Nigerians and Africans.
The message read in part, “President Buhari joins family and friends of the cerebral academic in celebrating the many years of laudable achievements, recognition, awards, and consistency, all which have cumulated in pride to Nigerians, Africans and the black race.
“The President salutes Prof Soyinka for his intellectual momentum, interventions on state issues and polity through articles and comments, penchant for justice, and persistence in holding leaders to account.
“As he clocks 85, President Buhari affirms that Prof Soyinka’s lifestyle sends a message to all Nigerians and Africans, especially the younger generation, that real success is measured by the intangibles of courage and impact brought to the life of others, rather than pursuit of personal interests.
“The President congratulates the literary giant for projecting Nigerian and African values to the world, wishing him more years of health, wisdom and service to the nation and humanity.
