By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Former Central Bank of Nigeria deputy governor Kingsley Moghalu has described Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka as a national treasure and global icon, urging Nigeria to give him greater recognition.
Moghalu made the call in a statement on Tuesday to mark Soyinka’s 92nd birthday, praising the literary giant’s contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the global intellectual community.
Soyinka, who became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, remains one of the world’s most respected playwrights, writers and public intellectuals.
He has also been a strong voice for democracy, human rights and good governance.
Moghalu said countries often provide special recognition to Nobel laureates and argued that Nigeria should adopt similar measures for Soyinka.
He welcomed the recent conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Soyinka, describing the honour as appropriate, though long overdue.
Moghalu also praised Soyinka’s continued energy and influence at 92, recalling the Nobel laureate’s support for his 2019 presidential ambition.Former Central Bank of Nigeria deputy governor Kingsley Moghalu has described Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka as a national treasure and global icon, urging Nigeria to give him greater recognition.
Moghalu made the call in
Soyinka’s birthday has attracted tributes from political leaders, academics, civil society groups and admirers across Nigeria and beyond.
