African authors ubder the auspices of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) have congratulated the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 88th birthday anniversary, which falls on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.
PAWA, the umbrella body for all African writers, paid glowing tributes to Soyinka for his “highly inspirational and energetic commitment to Literature and Humanity at large.”
In a statement jointly signed by the PAWA President, Hon. John Rusimbi, and Secretary-General, Dr. Wale Okediran, the association thanked the eminent statesman for his continued support for the association since its inception in 1989.
It said: “In recognition of the crucial role played as one of the founding fathers of the Pan African Writers Associations, the courtyard at PAWA House, the headquarters of PAWA in Accra, Ghana, was named after Professor Wole Soyinka during its official opening ceremony on 19th February 1991.
“Since that time, various literary events have been organised by PAWA to honour the literary icon.”
According to PAWA, “Even at an advanced age, Prof. Soyinka has continued to support PAWA through his various and crucial interventions, including occasional personal visits to the headquarters in Accra, Ghana.”
It noted that Soyinka, a recipient of many honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious universities such as Leeds, Harvard, Princeton and, very recently, Cambridge, UK, Soyinka is also a recipient of the Nigerian National award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), as well as a Yoruba traditional chieftaincy title of Akinlatun of Egbaland.
“PAWA wishes the sage many happier years in good health and continual service to Africa and the world at large,” it said.
