At least 80 public and private schools in Ibadan and its surrounding areas in Oyo State are gearing up to participate in a one-month-long display, marking the literary legend, Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
Dr. Kolade Mosuro, President of the Initiative for Information, Arts, and Culture Development in Nigeria, announced yesterday that the exhibition would highlight various aspects of Soyinka’s life and work, including his literary masterpieces and academic achievements, as well as his musical talents, hunting games, and participation in cultural movements. He was born July 13, 1934.
He stated that the exhibition intends to not only celebrate Soyinka’s significant legacy, but also to educate a new generation of readers and thinkers to appreciate the power of literature and arts in shaping society.
He stated that the main exhibition would take place at the IACD Building, 54 Magazine Road, Jericho, Ibadan, from the beginning of July until the end of the month. He said that schools that have not been invited but are interested in the exhibition could also participate by reaching out to the exhibition committee to add them to the schedule for the program.
Mosuro emphasized the importance of inspiring pupils to cultivate a passion in reading and learning, especially while they are young, adding, “It is our hope that when students come to this kind of exhibition, it would rekindle some things resting in them towards reading.
“There is no escape, regardless of artificial intelligence. Technology is supposed to compliment you, not to replace you.”
He hoped that the exhinition will inspire young people to pursue knowledge and creativity.
He stated that attendees will be able to see live versions of three of Soyinka’s notable works, including ‘The Lion and the Jewel’, ‘Childe’s International’, and ‘Isara’, at various places in Ibadan throughout the exhibition period.
He stated that ‘The Lion and the Jewel’, directed by Jumoke Sobo, was played on July 1 at Government College Ibadan, Soyinka’s secondary school.
Dele Morakinyo’s rendition of ‘Childe’s International’ will be screened on July 19 at Bishop Phillip Academy in Aperin, Ibadan.
In addition, ‘Isara,’ a stage adaptation of Soyinka’s Isara, directed by Femi Osofisan will be performed on July 26 and 27, at Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan.