Soyinka also said he decided to be a writer to correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up
By Kehinde Okeowo
Noble Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, on Monday said he did not envisage that he would live up to 90 years.
The literary icon made this known while answering questions from approximately 383 students who participated in the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme, held at his ARI residence in Ijegba, Abeokuta.
According to him, he decided to become a writer to correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up.
Addressing why he broke into a radio station during the military era, Soyinka said: “I never broke into a radio station, but sneaked in. The radio station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralized the people and established the culture of brutality.”
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He went on to chide Nigerians for always criticizing the State, but refused to examine themselves.
In his words, crimes such as kidnapping, robbery and others, are not only caused by poverty or inequality, but selfishness and the desire to live a luxury life.
He also praised Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who was at the event for his efforts in improving the environment around his residence, preventing degradation, and contributing to his decision to remain in the country.
Speaking during the event, Governor Abiodun, announced scholarships and laptops for nine students who excelled in an essay competition organised to celebrate Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
This year’s Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme drew students from different parts of the country who participated in an essay competition on national and international topics.