A biblical adage says that a prophet is not  honoured in his home town but last week in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital the entire people of the state, led by their number 1 citizen, Senator Ibikunle Amosun rolled out drums for the celebration of their own, the renowned writer,poet, activist and first African Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka who turned 80 last Sunday.

To them, Kongi as he is called is not just an ordinary writer, he is a great ambassador of the state, a freedom fighter and one who has helped to put Ogun State on the map. “We all know what life expectancy is in Nigeria and for a man who has lived such a turbulent life to cross over to 80 is very significant, so there is always a reason to celebrate our own WS as if we fail, somebody else will celebrate him.”

It was as a result of these that a whole lot of activities were planned for the celebration, courtesy of WS80 International Cultural Exchange project designed by Zmirage Multimedia Limited for the purpose of using the platform of Literature, Arts and Culture to affirm and uphold the dignity of man.

The project which started four years ago when Soyinka turned 76, has three main aspects. The essay competition which is open to Nigerian secondary school students anywhere in the world, Stage plays featuring renowned Nigerian and International actors and Advocacy lectures.

This year, the events started with series of activities since July when Wole Soyinka Portraits Exhibition tour curated and produced in partnership with Olu Ajayi was held in Lagos, Osogbo, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Jos etc.

Thereafter in far away Ghana, there was a drama presentation in his honour titled “Child Internationale” directed by Grace Adinkwu on July 7. The Soyinka conference on the topic: The Soyinka Impulse( Art, Humanity, transition and permanence) calibrating Soyinka at 80 where literacy giants spoke about the man , Soyinka and his exploits in the literary field.

The June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta came alive on the 12 and 13th as various activities like Soyinka Conference, drama performance of Oba Koso, directed by Isiaka Egunbunmi for Duro Ladipo Memorial company, spokeN word, debate by the students, essay competition, children mentoring and others took place. It was very lively and entertaining as the audience were treated to the best of performances during the period.

But the highlight of the events was the live essay competition on the topic, “Education, Paths to Freedom and the Future” by 80 student finalists from the various geo-political zones of the country. It was a real test of the students ability to express themselves in writing and after that, the judges led by Razinat Muhammed, a senior lecturer from the University of Maiduguri took over the marking to get the best five for the awards.

The students also competed in reading , poetry, cultural dance/costume display and others where they were also tested on how well they can express themselves in the different areas and at the end the best three winners were selected and presented with prizes.

The day also featured a mentoring section by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Amosun who took out time to educate the students on the topic “Education, Paths to Freedom and the Future.” She told the children the importance of education and what they stand to get if they are educated, pointing out that it is a basic fundamental human rights promoted by United Nations Organisation and it was on that basis that the government of Ogun state made education free at the primary and secondary schools levels, to ensure that all children have access to education. She however cautioned them on the use of Internet facilities, pointing out that many use it negatively which does not help them.

At the end, prizes were given to the winners in the various competitions.

The next morning, the 80 students paid a visit to the governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun where the result of the essay competition was announced by the judge, Mrs Razinat Muhammed. The first prize went to Miss Akpan Ewongobong Enefiole from Toys Faith International School, Akwa Ibom. Akinwumi Taiwo Omolayo from Ondo state took the second prize, Opatola Peter from Oyo state came third, Oyibe Theophilus Chinonso from Ebonyi state took the fourth prize while the fifth prize went to Adogbo Sekinat from Oyo state. The governor commended them for the feat they achieved and enjoined them to be focussed and dedicated in their education as it was education that made Soyinka what he is today. He later presented the prizes to the winners and certificates to all the participants.