The 15th annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) program kicked off on July 12, 2024, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The five-day event, running until July 16, celebrates the 90th birthday of Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Produced by Zmirage Multimedia Company and hosted by OpenDoorSeries, WSICE aims to nurture the next generation of thinkers and leaders through cultural and educational activities. This year’s theme, “E.N.I.O.G.U.N – Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding, and Nation-Building,” reflects Soyinka’s lifelong commitment to societal progress.
Dr. Teju Kareem, CEO of Zmirage Multimedia Company, emphasized the program’s focus on youth empowerment, stating, “The youths are the key to bringing about change and prosperity in Nigeria and around the world.”
The Explainer learned, the event commenced with the arrival of 90 finalists from a national essay competition. These students, selected from over 200 submissions, will participate in various activities throughout the program.
On July 13, the essay writing competition took center stage, with the theme “The Many Lives of an Irrepressible Patriot, Humanist, & Rights Activist.” This competition encourages students to explore nation-building through the lens of Soyinka’s life and contributions.
Cultural immersion activities on July 14 include a sightseeing tour of Ogun State’s tourist sites and an art session at the WSICE Gallery. July 15 features the “Do Your Own Thing” creative expression session and a mentoring opportunity with Professor Soyinka himself.
Professor Segun Ojewuyi, co-producer of WSICE said, “This program provides a unique platform for young minds to engage with Professor Soyinka’s legacy and apply his principles to their own lives and communities.”
The event will conclude on July 16 with the presentation of the play “The Noble Warrior – ENI OGUN,” exploring themes resonant with Soyinka’s literary works.
Professor Wole Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, is a renowned playwright, poet, novelist, and political activist. He became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. Soyinka’s works, characterized by their critique of totalitarianism and celebration of Yoruba culture, have significantly influenced African literature and global discourse on human rights and social justice.
The WSICE, initiated in 2010, has become a beacon of cultural exchange and education, consistently focusing on youth development and nation-building. It enjoys support from various public and corporate organizations, including the Ogun State government.
