Encomiums As Soyinka Receives Awo Prize in Lagos

TOKUNBO OLAJIDE

Eminent Nigerians turned out in large numbers today in Lagos for a leadership award presentation for literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka.

The Nobel Laureate was bestowed with the maiden Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, which was instituted in memory of the late Nigerian politician and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The award, which coincides with Awolowo’s post-humous 104th birthday, 6 March, was established by the Awolowo Foundation to recognize “a Nigerian, who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and good governance”.

Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Awolowo prize, Chief Emeka Anyaoku said the body was unanimous in their choice of Professor Soyinka for the prestigious honour.

“In the unanimous view of the committee, Soyinka has undoubtedly, in his life and career, demonstrated the core attributes that characterised the life of Chief Awolowo,” Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary General, said.

Anyaoku showered effussive praise on the literary guru and social crusader, describing him as “a Nigerian of extraordinary accomplishments”.

To symbolise the honour accorded Soyinka, VP Sambo, assisted by Anyaoku and Awolowo’s daughter, Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, presented a medal, plaque and certificate to the respected playwright.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, described Soyinka’s selection for the leadership prize as a “wise choice.

“His life and achievements eminently qualify him for the award,” Jonathan said of Soyinka, adding that “his life and career have demonstrated honour, distinction and leadership”.

President Jonathan equally praised Awolowo’s enduring legacies, describing him as “a great nationalist”.

“Awolowo exemplified rare courage and leadership worth celebrating,” the president noted, adding that “evidence abounds today of Awolowo’s positive influence on the nation”.

Aside from VP Sambo, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd); governors of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and Niger states, and ACN leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, among other dignitaries graced the very colourful occasion.