Soyinka@90: Nobel Laureate, Otti, British Commission speak to youth engagement in creative economy
Literary icon, Prof Wole Soyinka, the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, were among other key stakeholders who spoke to the significance of youth engagement in charting the course of Nigeria’s development, particularly in the potentials of the creative sector to drive economic growth.
The British Deputy High Commission Lagos, in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE, hosted Noble Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka as part of a long series of events to celebrate his 90th birthday anniversary and his legacies.
Tagged “A Creative Evening with Wole Soyinka,” the event which held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, Wednesday night, brought together public officials, corporate executives, diplomats, youth leaders, decision-makers in social and cultural circles, and others who had the opportunity to interact with the nonagenarian Nobel Laureate as he shared his ideas about good governance and nation-building.
Featuring youth creative expressions in poetry, fine art, music, fashion and cultural displays, the event spotlighted a captivating fireside chat on the theme, “Youth Engagement towards Nation-building and Good Governance.”
The heart of the event was the opening of the “NINE Seasons of Wole Soyinka” exhibition, which spans the laureate’s illustrious legacy from 1934 to the present, highlighting his monumental contributions to art, culture, humanity, youth development and struggle for freedom and justice.
In his remarks, the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, said with about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population being youths, “ignoring them in policy-making means ignoring the majority”, which is dangerous for the nation’s economy.
The Abia Governor who joined the event virtually on Wednesday said: “Youth engagement is crucial for achieving good governance in Nigeria. With 70 per cent of our population being youths, ignoring them in policy-making means ignoring the majority, which is dangerous for any economy.
“We must be deliberate and intentional in supporting our young people to ensure they are prepared to compete in the global economy,” he added.
He mentioned that given the significance of empowering youths, the Abia State Government initiated “a N1 billion cooperative support fund to empower youth-led enterprises and dedicated 20 per cent of our 2024 budget to education.”
He praised the Commission for honouring the creative Icon, describing him as the needed light for youth towards nation-building.
Speaking at the reception, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, noted that Nigerian art as a sector has the potential to drive the nation’s economy for needed growth if the government gives it adequate attention, adding that the British Commission will also collaborate to ensure the success of the Creative Industry.
“I am pleased to host this creative evening with Wole Soyinka – to celebrate the immense legacy of a great literary icon whose contributions have profoundly impacted youth engagement in the Nigerian creative sector.
“Nigeria’s creative economy holds immense potential for driving economic growth, fostering cultural diversity, and empowering communities across the country.
“The UK Government is committed to a strategic partnership of lasting mutual benefit with Nigeria, which is why we recently delivered two Creatives trade missions focused on film, TV, fashion retail and beauty to help drive this sector and expand the UK-Nigeria trade relationship, which has blossomed in recent years.”
He expressed joy and honour to have the Nobel Laureate at an Art and Cultural Night at the Commission to show the immense impact on young Nigerians.
Commenting during the ‘Fireside Chat with Wole Soyinka,’ the Nobel Laureate charged youths to take the future of Nigeria now by adding value through deliberate effort in Art and creative innovations, asking the right questions to chart a perfect course for an enviable tomorrow for Nigeria
Soyinka said: “Young people can significantly contribute to nation-building by cultivating the habit of curiosity. It begins with questioning and looking beyond the surface of things, which leads to creating alternative perspectives and innovative solutions.
“Young Nigerians aspiring to make a difference must also recognise the importance of building a supportive team that shares their vision.
“Understanding community responsibility and leveraging collective skills can transform simple ideas into impactful innovations. Always remember that individual and collective curiosity, supported by a nurturing community, leads to meaningful contributions.”
The Project Director of Wole Soyinka At 90, Foluke Michael, said that the journey to Soyinka’s grand celebration began in May 2024 with the African I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y project, featuring “90 Poems, 90 Locations in 9 Countries,” a poetry roadshow across nine countries, and “The Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka,” which began with a live painting in Italy.
“The celebration of Soyinka’s legacy will extend beyond July 31, 2024. Over the next nine months, the “Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka” exhibition will tour the world, both physically and virtually. It aims to bring the global humanist’s profound impact to a global audience, inspiring future generations and cementing his legacy in the annals of history,” she added
On the Africa I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y project, she said it is a significant offshoot of the Vision of the Child project, to which Soyinka has been a grand patron since its inception in 2012.
“It honours his inspired initiatives and enduring legacy and encapsulates the values of Integrity, Diversity, economic development, Nationhood, Trade, Innovation, Talent, and Youthfulness. It showcases the creativity and integrity of African youth and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for their voices to be heard globally,” she said.
On June 13, 2024, renowned artist Tola Wewe and VoTC Champion Princess Marinay embarked on a creative journey at the Piazza Del Duomo in Florence, Italy.
Inspired by Michelangelo, they began a series of paintings encapsulating the legacy of Wole Soyinka. The first masterpiece, “The Legacy of Wole Soyinka in the Eyes of Michelangelo,” forms the core of the African I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y—”Nine Seasons of Wole Soyinka” exhibition.
This painting reimagines Wole Soyinka from Michelangelo’s perspective, much like Michelangelo’s famed “The Creation of Adam” fresco from the Sistine Chapel.
The painting is infused with the concept of black and white, symbolising Soyinka’s duality as a writer — an artist of black ink on white pages—and highlighting the contrast and connection between Soyinka, a black Nigerian, and Michelangelo, a white Italian.
Over the next 16 days, eight variations of this painting evolved: the masterpieces titled ‘Agba Wa Bura’, ‘Through the Lines’, ‘A Dance of the Forest’, ‘Ori Kongi’, ‘Aké: The Years of Childhood’, ‘Loudest Ovation’, ‘My First Three White Hairs’, and ‘Eni-Ogun’, symbolising the process of creating “The Creation of Adam.” This ongoing transformation pays homage to the timeless nature of art and creativity, paralleling Michelangelo’s meticulous craftsmanship.