“President Tinubu Honors Wole Soyinka by Naming Abuja Highway After Him”
President Tinubu’s recent decision to designate a major highway in Abuja in honor of Wole Soyinka reflects a significant acknowledgment by the government. This action comes in the midst of observations that the esteemed professor and Nobel laureate enjoys a positive relationship with the current administration. Although known for his past critique of political opponents, Soyinka has been under scrutiny for not openly addressing the government’s handling of the challenges faced by Nigerians, a departure from his previous activism during the tenures of other presidents, which included organizing protests. In a tweet on X, the presidential spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, announced that President Tinubu has named the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) as the Professor Wole Soyinka Highway, following the recommendation of the FCT administration. In honoring the distinguished playwright, poet, and novelist, who will turn 90 on 13 July, President Tinubu highlighted Soyinka’s status as the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, praising him for bringing honor and renown to Nigeria.