Why Nigeria needs the Wole Soyinka Conversation now more than Ever - Ekong Sampson

By Ubong Sampson - Uyo

Patron of the Uyo Book Club and former Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources in the state, Rt Hon.(Dr) Ekong Sampson has made a case on why Nigeria needs the Soyinka conversation now more than ever.

Dr Sampson made the call today against the backdrop of the 87th birthday celebration of the renowned writer and Nobel Prize Winner, Prof. Wole Soyinka held earlier in the month.

Offering his insights ahead of Uyo Book Club's mini colloquium on the Nobel Laureate set to take place during the club's July reading session this Saturday, Dr Sampson remarked that:

'Given the enormous challenges that Nigeria is facing as a nation and with Soyinka's age and experience, we need to celebrate him and use moments like this to compare notes on the things he has been fighting for, the courage that he has shown, his contributions to literature, education and national development.

We must use his contributions as the barometer on how to make Nigeria a better country'.

Giving further perspectives on the influence of Kongi on our national life, Dr Sampson describes him as a 'moral and language vocabulary', paying tribute to Soyinka's strength and mental vibrancy even at eighty-seven.

'The Man has remained standing even at eighty-seven and tirelessly challenges our sensibilities on human rights and justice. As the country is facing challenges on many fronts ranging from insecurity, weak economy, secessionist agitations, his life challenges us for a saner society.

'At his age, Professor Soyinka could have simply chosen to retire and enjoy his fame, but he keeps canvassing for a better Nigeria. He has not been deterred even by solitary confinement which could have broken many', the revered scholar added of Soyinka.

The one-time Mkpat Enin Council Boss calls on Nigeria to listen to Soyinka now because his fights which center on access to justice will open the floodgate for the nation to enjoy peace and growth'.

Sampson further said that access to justice is critical to social cohesion and national development.

Soyinka, has remained Nigeria's only Nobel Laureate since winning the famed prize in 1986. The Uyo Book Club session which holds Saturday evening at the Shakespeare Room, Watbridge Hotel&Suites, will be dedicated to the life, works and times of the octogenarian writer cum activist and will feature eminent scholars including Vice Chancellor, Topfaith University, Professor Patrick Ebewo, Prof. Effiong Johnson, Dr Udeme Nana, Dr Martin Akpan, among others.