Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka says his loyalty to Nigeria is rooted in the humanity of its people rather than nationalism or conventional patriotism.
Soyinka stated this during a Book Reading and Signing Session, where he reflected on his memoir, “You Must Set Forth at Dawn”, his relationship with Nigeria and lessons from his literary journey.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book reading and signing session, was a special literary session at the CANEX WKND2026, an initiative of Afreximbank.
CANEX WKND2026, taking place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Arts Theatre Nigeria), from Nov. 5 to Nov. 8, is under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World”.
The Nobel Laureate said he had never fully identified with expressions such as patriotism and nationalism, stressing that his attachment was to the humanity within the nation.
“I am loyal to the humanity within Nigeria,” he said.
Soyinka said the destruction of communities in the name of nationalism or patriotism often undermined the humanity that nations were supposed to protect.
He cited conflicts in different parts of the world as examples of how national identities could become instruments of destruction rather than unity.
He said his literary works were primarily concerned with human beings rather than abstract notions of nationhood.
Reflecting on his memoir, Soyinka said writing about the past was challenging because it required confronting experiences that could be difficult to comprehend in retrospect.
He said the memoir was initially conceived as an account of his childhood environment and the personalities that shaped his early years, particularly his great-uncle, Rev. I.O. Ransome-Kuti.
Soyinka said his childhood memories of education, culture, political struggles and social interactions eventually became part of the memoir’s broader narrative.
He explained that his experiences of political detention also influenced the writing, recalling how he improvised writing materials while in prison to begin documenting his memories.
The playwright said the memoir evolved into a combination of personal reflection, historical experiences and encounters with the world around him.
Soyinka also explained that the title, You Must Set Forth at Dawn, was suggested by an editor from a line in his poetry, after he initially considered Beyond the Word.
According to him, the title reflected his belief that humanity remained a work in progress, with individuals and societies continually beginning anew.
At 92, Soyinka said he remained curious about life and open to new experiences, including his longstanding interest in becoming an astronaut.
Advising young people, he urged them to enjoy their experiences, explore their ambitions and avoid taking everything too seriously.
He said imagining different careers and possibilities was itself a creative process that could help young people discover their interests.
