On the occasion of his 89th birthday celebrations, Professor Wole Soyinka made an earnest plea to the Federal Government, advocating for a national holiday to be dedicated to traditionalists. The renowned playwright expressed deep concern over the neglect faced by followers of traditional religions in the country, firmly stating that they have endured such treatment for far too long.

“It’s high time we assertively request, on behalf of adherents of traditional religions, an annual holiday similar to those observed by Islam and Christianity. We have reached our limit,” he asserted. “Enough is enough of being relegated to second-class citizenship in our own nation. We demand equitable consideration, with equal time and space for our beliefs. This call is directed not only at the Federal Government but also at state and local governments. We earnestly desire the establishment of an annual public holiday to recognize and respect our faiths.”