The Minister, in a statement through her media aide, Nneka Anibeze, on Saturday, congratulated Soyinka on the remarkable milestone, acknowledging his enduring legacy.

“His contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and we are honoured to celebrate him.

“This milestone is a testament to his remarkable life, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in literature, culture, and the arts.

“Soyinka’s contributions to Nigeria and the world are immeasurable. His writings have inspired generations, and his tireless advocacy for justice, equity, and human rights has left an indelible mark on our society.

“As we celebrate him today, we honour his legacy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our nation.

“His life’s work has been a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to strive for greatness. We are grateful for his inspiring life and legacy, and we look forward to many more years of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration,” she said.

Musawa also expressed excitement at the renaming of the National Arts Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This renaming bears testament to the enduring legacy of Prof. Wole Soyinka, whose contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world as a whole.

“The National Arts Theatre will continue to be an icon of creativity and a symbol of our rich cultural heritage.

“The renaming comes at an appropriate time, as the theatre gears up to reopen after undergoing extensive renovations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee to transform the theatre into a world-class centre of culture,” she said.