In a heartfelt birthday tribute, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s ex-spokesperson, Laolu Akande, hailed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wole Soyinka as the “compelling conscience of the nation.”In a heartfelt birthday tribute, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s ex-spokesperson, Laolu Akande, hailed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wole Soyinka as the “compelling conscience of the nation.” Akande celebrated Soyinka’s 90th birthday on Saturday, praising him as “the pride of black people and a global icon.” He attributed Soyinka’s influence to his unwavering humanity, which has shaped perspectives and inspired countless individuals worldwide. Reflecting on his own career as a journalist, Akande acknowledged Soyinka’s significant role as a news source. He credited Soyinka’s insights and accessibility with contributing to his professional successes. Akande further revealed that Soyinka’s generosity extended to writing a letter of recommendation that paved the way for his “dream job” at New York Newsday in 2000. The Nobel laureate’s endorsement, according to Akande, made him the envy of his colleagues, who admired his connection to such a prestigious figure. In addition to his profound literary achievements, Akande emphasized Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights. He described Soyinka as a “beacon of hope and a voice of reason” who has consistently challenged injustice and tyranny. Akande’s tribute echoed the widespread admiration for Soyinka’s contributions to literature, social activism, and the global community. It celebrated the enduring impact of a legendary figure whose unwavering conscience and unwavering spirit continue to inspire and shape generations.
Laolu Akande, a former spokesman for former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has described Nobel Peace Prize winner Wole Soyinka as the “compelling conscience of the nation”.
Akande paid tribute to Soyinka in a birthday wish to the literary icon, who turned 90 on Saturday.
He praised Soyinka as the “pride of black people and a global icon whose humanity continues to shape perspectives and inspire millions of people around the world”.
Akande, a journalist, attributed his career success “partly” to Soyinka’s role as a “news source”.
“I must acknowledge that Soyinka, as a news source, was partly responsible for the successes that, by the grace of God, adorn my career as a journalist,” he wrote.
“My editors and superiors in the newsroom at the time, such as Mr Jahman Anikulapo, Ambassador Debo Adesina and our overall boss, Mr Emeka Izeze, who often saw me as an asset to the newspaper (which is very humbling), told me that my closeness to Soyinka confirmed what they always knew.”
Akande also recalled how the Nobel laureate “generously” wrote a letter of recommendation that helped him land “a dream job at New York Newsday in 2000.”
Advertisement
“I remember in 2000, I got a dream job at New York Newsday as a copy editor. It was such a dream world, because the company sent a limo to pick me up at the airport and put me up in the best hotel on Long Island,” he said.
“So they required a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. I decided to bring out the big guns and show those Oyinbos!
“I asked Soyinka if he would do the honors, and he did so so generously that I became the envy of many in the newsroom with a letter of recommendation written by a Nobel Prize winner.”
