The National Copyrights Commission (NCC) extends heartfelt congratulations to Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday, celebrating the literary icon as one of the nation’s greatest prides and a universal brand.
Born on July 13, 1934, Prof. Soyinka is a renowned Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist, acclaimed with numerous accolades. In 1986, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first black man to receive this prestigious honor.
Throughout his youth, Prof. Soyinka participated in various freedom struggles, resulting in several arrests. Dr. John Asein, the Director General of the NCC, highlighted Prof. Soyinka’s exceptional achievements in academia and his profound impact on critical moments in Nigeria’s history.
The NCC acknowledges Prof. Soyinka’s steadfast commitment to justice and views him as a symbol of strength and courage, especially in a world yearning for a voice that embodies the resilience of the black race.
In a statement signed by Dr. Asein, the NCC reflected on Prof. Soyinka’s message from this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, emphasizing the adverse effects of copyright piracy and the importance of recognizing copyright as fundamental to humanity’s intellectual heritage.
“Throughout his adult life, Soyinka has shown an unwavering dedication to creating a society where fairness, justice, and citizen well-being are upheld. As a playwright, essayist, music composer, and filmmaker, he holds a special place in our hearts and remains a pivotal figure in the copyright sector. His contributions as a human rights defender, environmentalist, promoter of education, and advocate for positive change have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history as an independent nation.
We cherish his contributions to nation-building and, in return, hold ourselves to the highest standards of service, renewing our commitment to fostering a robust copyright system where creators and the creative industry can thrive.
Our sincere best wishes for long life, good health, and sound mind go out to the tallest living iroko in Nigeria’s literary forest on this momentous occasion,” the statement reads.
