I never knew I’d live up to 90 – Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has said he never knew he would live on earth till the age of 90.

He made this remark while answering questions from about 383 students who participated in the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme held at Prof. Soyinka’s ARI residence, Ijegba, Abeokuta.

The playwright who clocked a new age on July 13, was questioned about his life experiences for the past 90 years, and in response, he said did not envisage living up to 90.

According to Soyinka, he decided to become a writer after graduating so that he could correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up.

In response to why he invaded a radio station during the military era, the author said: “I never broke into a radio station, but sneaked in.

“The radio station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralised the people and established the culture of brutality.”

He chided Nigerians for always criticising the state but unwilling to examine themselves. Soyinka also said crimes like kidnapping and robbery could not be blamed on poverty or inequality, but on selfishness and the desire to live luxurious lifestyle.