Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former presidential candidate Kingsley Moghalu has called for greater national recognition for Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, describing the celebrated playwright and author as one of Nigeria's greatest living national treasures as he marked his 92nd birthday.
In a statement celebrating Soyinka's birthday, Moghalu praised the literary icon's remarkable contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the global intellectual community, noting that his influence extends far beyond literature into democracy, human rights and good governance.
He argued that individuals of Soyinka's stature deserve exceptional national honours comparable to those granted to distinguished personalities in other countries.
According to Moghalu, many nations provide lifelong recognition and privileges to Nobel Prize winners and other globally celebrated citizens through honours such as diplomatic passports, honorary citizenship and lifetime pensions.
He suggested that Nigeria should adopt similar measures to adequately recognise citizens whose achievements have elevated the country's international reputation.
Reflecting on Soyinka's historic achievement, Moghalu recalled that the renowned playwright became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, an accomplishment that placed Nigeria at the centre of global literary excellence and inspired generations of African writers.
He also remembered that the military administration of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida sent a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Stockholm to support Soyinka during the Nobel Prize award ceremony, describing the gesture as a fitting recognition of the significance of the achievement.
Moghalu expressed personal gratitude for his longstanding relationship with Soyinka, revealing that one of the greatest honours of his political career was receiving the Nobel Laureate's detailed endorsement during his 2019 presidential campaign.
He prayed for the elder statesman's continued good health and many more years of active service, noting that Soyinka's demanding travel and public engagement schedule remains inspiring even at 92 years old.
Beyond his literary accomplishments, Soyinka has remained one of Nigeria's most influential public intellectuals, consistently speaking on issues relating to democracy, justice, human rights and national development.
His works have earned international acclaim while shaping academic and cultural discourse across the world for several decades.
The tribute adds to a growing wave of birthday messages from political leaders, scholars and admirers celebrating Soyinka's enduring legacy and lifelong commitment to truth, justice and intellectual excellence.
Many have described him as a symbol of courage whose contributions continue to inspire Nigerians and the global literary community.