Here Is Why I Became A Writer– Soyinka
Nigerian Renowned Playwright and Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has explained why he became a writer.
Prof. Soyinka who clocked 90 years gave his reasons at the 2024 edition of his International Cultural Exchange Programme, held at his ARI residence, Ijegba, Abeokuta, on Monday.
According to him, his thirst to correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up made him become one.
While fielding questions from about 383 students who hailed from different parts of the country and participated in an essay competition on national and international topics said that he never knew he would live up to 90 years.
Speaking on why he broke into a radio station during the military era, the Nobel Laureate said: “I never broke into a radio station, but sneaked in. The radio station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralized the people and established the culture of brutality.”
He chided Nigerians for always critising the State, but refused to examine themselves.
Noting that crimes like kidnapping and robbery, among others, are not because of poverty or inequality, but selfishness and the desire to live a luxury life.
Soyinka lauded Governor Abiodun for helping in developing the environment around his abode and saving it from degradation, even as he emphasized that this has led to his not abandoning the country.
Out of the 383 students drawn by The 2024 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme for the competition, 90 were chosen, while nine were selected with Alabi Oluwanifemi emerging the best essayist, Okoye Collins John came second, while Adebusi Adeoluwa, came third.
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