Don’t Emulate Me, Soyinka Tells Nigerian Youth

Posted by admin National Politics Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Noble laureate and social critic, Professor Wole Soyinka has advised the young ones in the country not to emulate him, saying that to be Wole Soyinka is problematic.
Wole Soyinka gave the advice when he spoke to some youths who accompanied the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to his Kemta Idiaba, Abeokuta home as part of activities marking his 77th birthday, and in reaction to some loud comments at the occasion.

He said, “People should not try to emulate me especially the younger one. It would be wrong to do so, because sometimes to be Prof. Wole Soyinka is problematic. Be yourself, and you can make a greater impact in life’’.

Earlier, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun said “the significance of the 77th birthday is not in the number being marked or the monotony of the yearly rituals but the celebration of life that has dedicated in principle to the struggle for the established egalitarian society’’.
He noted that Wole Soyinka had fought injustice where it could be fought in addition to being an impeccable and consistent critic of many military dictators and political tyrants worldwide.

‘‘No wonder some of the admirers and critics alike also call him Kongi. It is remarkable that his hosting the 77 children symbolizes the demonstration of the journey so far and injects aspiration in those children who are the leaders of tomorrow’’. Amosun said.

The governor who was accompany to the venue by 77 students from across the country and beyond said, “It represents a creative challenge and encouragement to these children who invariably would become writers, doctors, lawyers, politicians and leaders in all different field of human endeavors.

“Prof. Wole Soyinka is an example for all of us to emulate, even though, he said it is difficult to be a Wole Soyinka we all agree with that. He is an epitome of respectability resistance, commitment, doggedness as firm principles.

I am sure we are particularly by lucky to have learnt a lot from him’’.
Amosun while thanking Soyinka said, “as a mark of appreciating a great hero on earth, we wish to thank him, appreciate him and show him how grateful we are for his leadership. “This administration in Ogun State fully appreciates the role of youths in development of our dear state. We have therefore put education in the forefront of our programmes’’.

He enjoined Nigerians to learn to appreciate those who have genuinely contributed to the growth and development of our society, while they are still leaving. It goes a long way in encouraging others to do their best to their immediate community and the larger society.

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