The 15th edition of the annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange is scheduled to take place from July 13 to July 27, 2024, commemorating the 90th birthday of the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
This prestigious event, which began in 2010, celebrates the exceptional life and illustrious career of Prof. Soyinka, a quintessential artist and global humanist.
According to a statement released by WSICE’s Media and Communications Unit, the event will be held in two segments. The first segment, from July 13 to 16, will feature virtual and onsite activities in Nigeria, while the second segment, from July 19 to July 27, will take place in London, England.
The theme for this year’s WS90/WSICE2024 event is ‘E.N.I.O.G.U.N – Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding, and Nation-Building,’ focusing on the general condition of humanity, with specific emphasis on Nigeria. The theme reflects Prof. Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to Nigeria, as a nationalist, patriot, artist, public intellectual, and human rights activist.
Dr. Teju Kareem, the Executive Producer of WSICE, emphasized Prof. Soyinka’s commitment to creating a just and equitable world, transcending age, class, gender, religion, or political affiliations. The event will feature various programs, including essay writing, advocacy, ‘Do Your Own Thing,’ and performances.
Highlights of the event include an evening of Sight and Sound featuring creative performances such as music, drama, dance, poetry, and spoken words. In Nigeria, there will be presentations of theatrical masterpieces such as ‘The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun’ and Soyinka’s classic, ‘The Lion and the Jewel.’ Additionally, the UK leg of the celebration will feature the London premiere of a feature film inspired by Soyinka’s classic prison memoir, titled ‘The Man Died.’
The event, organized in collaboration with The Africa Centre and supported by reputable institutions in the UK such as the London School of Economics and Bournemouth University, aims to reaffirm and elevate the dignity of humanity through literature, arts, and culture. Project WSICE seeks to foster unity among mankind, transcending nationality, culture, or religion, with a focus on youth as the future of humanity.
