Nobel Laureate and global literary icon, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has advised youths to add value to nation-building through deliberate and intentional effort in art and creative innovations.
The Nobel Laureate spoke at an event organised in his honour by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos State in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) on his 90th birthday.
He 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”.
Tagged: A Creative Evening with Wole Soyinka, the event, which held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, brought together public officials, corporate executives, diplomats, youth leaders and others.
The dignitaries interacted with the Nobel Laureate as he shared his ideas about good governance and nation-building.
The event featured youth creative expressions in poetry, fine art, music, fashion and cultural displays.
There was also a captivating fireside chat tagged: “Youth Engagement towards Nation-Building and Good Governance” during the event.
An opening of the “NINE Seasons of Wole Soyinka” exhibition, which spanned the laureate’s illustrious legacy from 1934 to the present time, highlighted his contributions to art, culture, humanity, youth development and the struggle for freedom and justice.
Each of the nine paintings symbolised a different aspect of Soyinka’s life and work, reflecting his brilliance and establishing him as a global icon.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter said the Nigerian art has the potential to drive the country’s economy for needed growth, if the government could give it adequate attention.
He said: “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 creative 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”.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who joined the event virtually, praised the commission for honouring Prof. Soyinka who he described as “the needed light for youth towards nation-building”.
He 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.
“In Abia, we have initiated a N1 billion cooperative support fund to empower youth-led enterprises, and dedicated 20 per cent of our 2024 budget to education. We must be deliberate and intentional in supporting our young people to ensure they are prepared to compete in the global economy”.
