Moghalu urges Nigeria to grant Wole Soyinka geater national honours at 92

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has called on the Federal Government to accord Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka greater national honours and institutional recognition, describing the celebrated playwright as “a national treasure and a global titan.”

In a tribute marking Soyinka’s 92nd birthday, Moghalu said Nigeria should adopt policies that offer greater recognition and lifetime privileges to citizens whose achievements have elevated the country’s global reputation.

He argued that while Soyinka’s contributions to literature, democracy, human rights and intellectual discourse have earned worldwide acclaim over the past six decades, Nigeria has yet to adequately recognise the significance of his accomplishments.

“Wole Soyinka is a national treasure and a global titan of immense dimensions and proportions,” Moghalu said. “In certain countries, individuals who achieve what he has are greatly honoured in many formal ways, including diplomatic passports, honorary citizenship and other lifetime national privileges.”

Drawing comparisons with international practices, Moghalu pointed to Argentina, where Nobel laureates are entitled by law to a lifetime state pension equivalent to the salary of a Supreme Court Justice. He suggested that Nigeria should establish similar frameworks to honour citizens whose achievements have brought global prestige to the country.

The former presidential candidate also recalled the recognition Soyinka received after becoming the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. He noted that the military administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida sent a high-powered federal delegation to Stockholm for the Nobel Prize ceremony, describing it as a significant moment of national pride.

Moghalu’s remarks came as prominent Nigerians and world leaders paid tribute to Soyinka on his 92nd birthday, celebrating his enduring contributions to literature, culture and democratic governance.

President Bola Tinubu, in his birthday message, described Soyinka as a globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet and essayist whose unwavering commitment to justice and good governance has inspired generations of Nigerians.

The President also reflected on their shared role during the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, describing Soyinka as “one of our nation’s living repositories of history, knowledge and courage.”

Moghalu urged the government to move beyond ceremonial honours by institutionalising Soyinka’s legacy through initiatives such as national endowment funds, archives, educational programmes and other enduring state recognitions.

He said such measures would not only honour the Nobel laureate’s lifelong contributions but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of Nigerians committed to excellence, public service and the defence of democratic values.