Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has named the 12.5 kilometres Kemta-Idi Aba-Somorin road in Abeokuta, after the Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, saying the naming of the road after the world renowned playright was as a result of his achievements in the academia and literature that has brought honour not only to Ogun State and Nigeria, but the black race.
Governor Abiodun made the announcement on Thursday at a reception organized by the state government to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Noble Laureate, in Abeokuta.
The Governor while praising him, said that apart from using his writings to expose human conditions, Prof. Soyinka also showcases the rich and beautiful African culture to the outside world.
According to naijanewsbox correspondent, Abiodun who noted that attaining the age of 90 is a testament to the grace of God who had spared his life, however, thanked the of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu for renaming the National Arts Theatre, Lagos after the erudite scholar.
Recounting some of the travails the literal icon went through to ensure an egalitarian society, Governor Abiodun said he was imprisoned during the Nigerian civil war on charges of conspiring with the Biafran succesionists where he spent 22 months, adding that despite that, he still remains resolute for a better society.
While congratulated the celebrant for attaining the age of 90 and prayed for more fruitful years ahead.
The former Secretary of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, while supervising the cutting of the birthday cake, described Prof. Soyinka as a champion of democracy and the promoter of human dignity.
Dignitaries, including former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, amongst others, attended the event.
