The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) have congratulated Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, paying tribute to his enduring contributions to literature, democracy, cultural development and the promotion of justice.
In separate congratulatory messages issued on Monday, both organisations described Soyinka as a towering literary figure whose works and advocacy have continued to inspire generations of writers across Nigeria, Africa and the world.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Professor Bill Ndi, and Secretary-General, Dr Wale Okediran, PAWA praised Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to African literature and culture, describing his literary activism as a source of inspiration for both established and aspiring writers.
The association also commended the Nobel Laureate for continuing to amplify African voices on the global stage despite his advanced age.
PAWA announced that, in addition to activities organised in Lagos and London by the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) to mark his birthday, it would commemorate the 40th anniversary of Soyinka’s Nobel Prize later this year in Rabat, Morocco.
According to the association, the three-day event, to be held in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Morocco, will coincide with the opening of the Academy’s House of Book Worlds, where Soyinka will be honoured as a special guest.
PAWA said the House of Book Worlds project, which follows UNESCO’s designation of Rabat as the 2026 World Book Capital, is intended to promote intellectual life and intercultural dialogue in line with Soyinka’s longstanding commitment to African cultural renewal.
The association wished the literary icon continued good health and many more years of service to African literature.
Similarly, ANA described Soyinka as a literary giant whose life, works and steadfast commitment to justice have earned him a permanent place among the world’s most influential intellectuals and cultural icons.
The congratulatory message was jointly signed by ANA President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and Acting General Secretary, Wole Adedoyin.
The association said Soyinka’s contributions to literature, scholarship, democracy and the defence of human dignity had continued to inspire writers and advocates of social justice around the world.
ANA also recalled Soyinka’s participation at its 44th International Convention, describing it as one of the most memorable moments in the association’s history.
According to the association, his presence attracted distinguished scholars, established authors and emerging writers from across Nigeria, while his engagement with participants reaffirmed his commitment to nurturing younger generations of writers.
The association noted that Soyinka expressed satisfaction with ANA’s progress during the convention, observing that it had remained faithful to the vision of its founding fathers. It added that his commendation of the association’s leadership under Dr Akanbi was a significant endorsement of efforts to strengthen the organisation and sustain its relevance within the literary community.
ANA prayed for Soyinka’s continued good health, strength and many more years of impactful service while reaffirming its commitment to promoting the ideals of literary excellence that he has consistently championed throughout his distinguished career.
Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, won the Nobel Prize in 1986 and remains one of the continent’s most celebrated writers, playwrights and public intellectuals.
