The National Copyrights Commission (NCC) sends warm felicitations to Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday rejoicing with the literary icon for being one of the country’s greatest prides, and a universal brand.
Prof. Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, is a Nigerian playwright, poet and essayist with many accolades to his name.
He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, the first black man to be honoured in the category.
Prof. Soyinka took part in different freedom struggles which led to his arrests during his youthful days.
A statement by the Director General of the NCC, Dr. John Asein has revealed that Prof Soyinka did not only excel in the academia but had also earned himself respect for lending his voice at critical moments in the country’s history.
While acknowledging his uncommon and unwavering commitment for a just society, the commission says he remains a symbol of strength and courage in a world in dire need of a voice representing the can-do- spirit of the black race.
The statement signed by the director general reads: “as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of this great Nigeria, we recall his message at this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, reminding us about the negative effect of copyright piracy and the need for government to appreciate copyright as a “cornerstone in the intellectual edifice of humanity, across nation’s, races, faiths, culture and histories.
“All through his adult life, Soyinka has demonstrated uncommon and unwavering commitment to building a society in which fairness, justice and citizen well-being are guaranteed.
“As a playwright, essayist, music composer and firm producer, Prof. Soyinka has a special place in our hearts and remains a major stakeholder in the Copyright sector. A frontline human rights defender, an environmentalist, a promoter of education, a lover of humanity and a positive change agent that has left his mark at every phase in Nigeria’s history as an independent state.
“We Cherish his contributions to nation building, in return we hold ourselves to the highest standard of service and renew our commitment to build a better copyright system in which creators and the creative industry thrive.
“Our sincere best wishes for long life in good health and soundness of mind go out on this momentus occasion to the tallest living iroko in Nigeria’s literally forest,” the statement reads.
