At least, 80 public and private schools in Ibadan and its environs in Oyo State, are gearing up to participate in a one-month-long exhibition, commemorating the literary icon, Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.
The Head of Exhibition Committee, Dr. Kolade Mosuro, who is the President of the Initiative for Information, Arts, and Culture Development in Nigeria, revealed yesterday that the exhibition would showcase various aspects of Soyinka’s life and work, from his literary masterpieces and academic achievements to his musical talents, hunting games, and involvement in cultural movements. He was born on July 13, 1934
He said the exhibition aims to not only celebrate Soyinka’s impactful legacy but also to encourage a new generation of readers and thinkers to appreciate the power of literature and arts in shaping society.
The main exhibition, he said, would be held at IACD Building, 54, Magazine Road, Jericho, Ibadan, from the beginning of July to the end of the month. He noted that schools that have not been invited, but have interest in the exhibition could also participate by reaching out to the exhibition committee in order to add them to the schedule for the programme
Mosuro emphasised the importance of inspiring students to cultivate interest in reading and learning, especially when they are still young, saying, “It is our hope that when students come for this kind of exhibition, it will rekindle some things resting in them towards reading.
“There is no escape, regardless of artificial intelligence. Technology is supposed to compliment you, not to replace you.”
He expressed hope that the exhibition would ignite a passion for knowledge and creativity in the younger generation.
He added that participants would have the opportunity to witness live adaptations of three of Soyinka’s renowned works, including, ‘The Lion and the Jewel’, ‘Childe’s International’, and ‘Isara’, at different venues in Ibadan throughout the exhibition period.
He stated that ‘The Lion and the Jewel’ directed by Jumoke Sobo, was performed on July 1 at Government College Ibadan, the secondary school that Soyinka attended.
He added that participants would have the opportunity to watch the adaptation of ‘Childe’s International’ directed by Dele Morakinyo at Bishop Phillip Academy, Aperin, Ibadan on July 19.
Also, ‘Isara,’ a stage adaptation of Soyinka’s Isara, directed by Femi Osofisan will be performed on July 26 and 27, at Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan.
