October 16 in Nigerian History: Wole Soyinka Made History as First Black Nobel Laureate in Literature

On October 16, 1986, a renowned Nigerian playwright, poet and novelist, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

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The Swedish Academy in Stockholm announced that Soyinka, 52, has become the first African and first black writer to win the prestigious prize since its inception in 1901.

In its citation, the Academy said it awarded Soyinka the prize because he “in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashions the drama of existence.”

The Nobel Committee praised his works, which include The Lion and the Jewel, Death and the King’s Horseman, The Man Died, and Ake: The Years of Childhood, for blending Yoruba myths and traditions with European dramatic techniques to create a theatre of profound relevance.

Soyinka, who was born on July 13, 1934 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, is not only a literary giant but also a fierce critic of tyranny and political oppression. His writings have consistently challenged military rule and corruption in Nigeria and across Africa.

The prize, which comes with a cash award of $290,000, has been hailed across the continent as a victory for African literature.

Reacting to the announcement from his residence, Soyinka dedicated the honour to the African continent and to all writers who use their pens as weapons against injustice.

President Ibrahim Babangida congratulated Soyinka, describing him as “a pride to Nigeria and Africa.”

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