President Tinubu honors the remarkable achievements of Nigeria's literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka. The Arterial Road N20 is now officially named the Professor Wole Soyinka Highway, symbolizing Soyinka's contributions to literature. This tribute coincides with his 90th birthday celebration and showcases Nigeria's respect for his enduring legacy.
To honor the remarkable achievements of Nigeria's literary icon, President Bola Tinubu has officially named the Arterial Road N20, stretching from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), as Professor Wole Soyinka Highway. This decision was made based on a recommendation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, as announced by Presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024.
The renaming of the road is a tribute to Professor Wole Soyinka, a renowned playwright, poet, and novelist, who will be celebrating his 90th birthday on July 13. President Tinubu emphasized Soyinka's extraordinary contributions to literature and his role in elevating Nigeria's global cultural standing. Notably, Soyinka was the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
President Tinubu stated, "Naming this highway after him is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth, freedom, and artistic excellence." The newly named Professor Wole Soyinka Highway serves as a symbol of national pride and recognition of Soyinka's enduring legacy.
This tribute coincides with the celebration of Soyinka's 90th birthday, and it showcases the significance of his contributions to Nigerian and global literature. Overall, the official naming of the Arterial Road N20 as Professor Wole Soyinka Highway is a testament to the immense respect and admiration that Nigeria holds for its literary icon. It is a celebration of his achievements and a recognition of his invaluable contributions to the world of literature and human rights.