Soyinka at 90: WSICE Plans Lagos, London Celebrations for 2024 Edition
The 15th edition of the annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE is set to hold in two tranches: July 13 to 16 (virtual and onsite) in Nigeria; and July 19 to July 27 in London.
Organised in collaboration with partners located in Nigeria and overseas, the edition is coinciding with the 90th birthday anniversary (July 13) of the Nobel laureate, Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka, whose exceptional life story and as well illustrious career as a quintessential artist and global humanist, inspired the birth of the project in 2010.
The WS90/WSICE2024 theme “E.N.I.O.G.U.N -Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding and Nation-Building” is a summation of the over seven decades commitment and struggles of Soyinka as a nationalist, patriot, and humanist as evident in his creative works and consistent public engagement.
E.N.I.O.G.U.N embodies his life-long commitment to the cause of nation building through his relentless fight for the national interest that would ensure good governance for the wellbeing of the general citizenry.
While the theme domiciles appreciation of Soyinka’s commitment to his birth country, Nigeria, it is by extension an appreciation of his global service to humanity in general, which has seen him advocating for justice, freedom and respect for the rights and freedom of citizens all over the world. The theme will be the focus of all the programme items of the edition.
WS 90/WSICE 2024: Programmes
The celebration will embrace several programming ideas that have been the features of the WSICE since its birth, including, Essay Writing, Advocacy, Do Your Own Thing & Performances.
Reflecting on the theme E.N.I.O.G.U.N – E-Engaging N-National I-Interest O-n G-ood Governance U-nderstanding and N-ation-B-uilding for WSICE 2024, Dr. Teju Kareem, Executive Producer of the WSICE, stated:
“Prof. Soyinka has pursued the betterment of society through his support for freedom and the common good of all irrespective of age, class, gender, religious or political persuasions — making his work a global service to humanity. His career spanning academia, literature, and activism exemplifies a profound commitment to creating a just and equitable world, thus encapsulating the essence of E.N.I.O.G.U.N as both a personal and a universal pursuit.
The highlight of the UK phase of the celebration will be the London premiere of THE MAN DIED, the feature film inspired by Soyinka’s classic prison memoir of same title. Featuring top players in the Nigerian film industry, including Wale Ojo, Sam Dede, Nobert Young, Francis Onwochei, Christiana Osunniyi, the film is directed by Awam Amkpa, Soyinka’s former student and professor of Theatre, Media and Cultural Aesthetics at the New York University, Abu-Dhabi, where he is currently Dean of Humanities and Deputy Provost.
The film screening event will also feature in the course of the duration – July 19-27 — other films, especially documentaries on the life and career of Soyinka.
Organised in collaboration with The Africa Centre, the event enjoys support and participation of reputable institutions in the UK such as the London School of Economics, Bournemouth University, amongst others.
The WSICE is organised on the platform of the OpenDoorSeries ProjectWS, an international cultural exchange programme designed for the purpose of using the platforms of Arts (literary & performing) and Culture to affirm and uphold the dignity of man. Organised and sponsored by Zmirage Multimedia Ltd (Nigeria & UK) led by Dr. Teju Kareem, and co-produced with Prof Segun Ojewuyi (immediate past Dean of College of Art & Media, Southern Illinois University, SIU, Carbondale, USA), the OpenDoorSeries continues to enjoy supports from public and corporate organisations, especially Ogun State Government.
The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange mission is to reaffirm and elevate the dignity of man through the platforms of literature, arts, and culture.
