President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to the acclaimed playwright, poet, and scholar, Professor Babafemi Osofisan, ahead of his 80th birthday.
In a statement issued from Abuja on Monday, Tinubu lauded the emeritus professor as an incredibly brilliant individual who has utilized the abundance of his creative talents to bless the world.
The President highlighted Osofisan’s lifelong dedication to addressing deep-seated societal ills and advocating for a comprehensive moral reawakening through his extensive literary repertoire.
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Over a career spanning several decades, Osofisan has excelled as a playwright, novelist, poet, teacher, scholar, and newspaper columnist.
Notably, his widely read novella, “Maami”, served as the foundational narrative for the critically acclaimed 2011 Nigerian drama film produced and directed by legendary filmmaker Tunde Kelani.
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Born in Erunwon, Ogun State, Osofisan began his educational journey at Government College Ibadan for his secondary school education.
He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he majored in French, before travelling to the Sorbonne in Paris, France, to complete his graduate studies.
Returning to Nigeria, he took up various academic faculty positions at the University of Ibadan, eventually rising through the ranks to retire as a full professor.
Osofisan’s immense contributions to theater arts have earned him substantial international acclaim.
In 2016, he became a recipient of the prestigious Thalia Prize, awarded by the International Association of Theatre Critics in recognition of his profound impact on global theater criticism and writing.
As the literary icon reaches the milestone age of 80 on June 16, Tinubu described his life and accomplishments as an inspiring demonstration of service, unwavering dedication, and hard work.
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“I salute his enormous contributions to scholarship and the theatre arts and his consistent advocacy for a national rebirth. He remains one of our nation’s finest minds,” Tinubu stated.
The President joined wished Osofisan excellent health and prayed that his fountain of wisdom continues to flourish for years to come.
