Tinubu renames Abuja highway after Wole Soyinka

President Bola Tinubu has formally named Arterial Road N20, which connects Abuja’s Northern Parkway and Outer Northern Motorway, after popular writer and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

Nyesom Wike suggested naming the route after Professor Wole Soyinka, which was later approved by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement posted on X by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the highway will now be officially known as Professor Wole Soyinka Roadway.

Tinubu, in naming the road after Soyinka, who will be 90 on July 13, highlighted his contributions to literature and his role in elevating Nigeria’s global cultural standing.

The president also asserted that the novelist had brought honour and fame to Nigeria through his unparalleled contributions to literature and his unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice.

Tinubu added that the gesture is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth, freedom, and artistic excellence.

“Professor Wole Soyinka has brought immense honour and fame to Nigeria through his unparalleled contributions to literature and his unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice.

“Naming this highway after him is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth, freedom, and artistic excellence,” the president said.

Recall, Soyinka recently faced criticism for his comments regarding the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The poet said this had become evident with the conduct of his supporters, popularly known as ‘Obidients’, during electioneering of the 2023 general elections.

Soyinka argued that Peter Obi’s inability to address and rein in his supporters’ online harassment and intimidation of those with differing opinions was a clear indication of his unsuitability for the office of the President of Nigeria.