FirstBank Celebrates Wole Soyinka @ 90 with ‘The Noble Warrior’ Performance
By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Kanempress News
10th July 2024
In a grand tribute to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, FirstBank has announced its sponsorship of a theatrical performance titled “The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun” as part of the celebrations marking Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
This special event demonstrates the bank’s commitment to honoring the literary giant’s unparalleled contributions to literature and humanity.
In a statement released, Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the institution’s pride in being part of this significant tribute.
“FirstBank is honored to sponsor this special performance in recognition of Wole Soyinka, a true literary legend whose works have inspired countless individuals and continue to enrich the cultural fabric of Nigeria,” Ani-Mumuney said.
Describing Soyinka as a hope of literary excellence, Ani-Mumuney highlighted the bank’s longstanding support for the arts through its First@arts initiative.
She emphasized that the sponsorship of “The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun” is a testimony to the bank’s appreciation of Soyinka’s influence and his role in advancing Nigerian literature and culture.
“For 130 years, FirstBank has been woven into the fabric of society, supporting the creative industry and empowering small businesses,” she noted.
Produced by Cash Onadele and directed by Oriade Adefila, the performance is set to take place at the Muson Centre on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
The play, “Eni Ogun,” will dramatize the historic resistance against colonial forces, portraying the valor and resilience of the natives. The protagonist, Oluwole, a princely noble warrior, mirrors Soyinka’s own life as a fighter and a humane warrior, making this performance a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Toye Arulogun, the Executive Producer of the performance, lauded FirstBank for its strong support of the arts, particularly in celebrating Soyinka’s milestone birthday.
“FirstBank’s partnership with Adubiifa Network Co. for this landmark event highlights their dedication to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage,” Arulogun said.
First@arts, FirstBank’s platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts, aims to consolidate efforts within the arts sector, provide funding, and facilitate the success of industry stakeholders.
Through this initiative, FirstBank continues to play a significant role in nurturing Nigeria’s creative economy and cultural development.
Wole Soyinka, born in Abeokuta on July 13, 1934, made history in 1986 as the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
His extensive body of work includes plays, novels, poetry, and autobiographical accounts that have garnered international acclaim. Notable works include “The Interpreters,” “Season of Anomy,” and “Aké: The Years of Childhood.”
As Soyinka celebrates his 90th birthday, the performance of “The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun” not only honors his illustrious career but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art to inspire and uplift society.
