The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE, kicks off its 16th anniversary celebration in grand style today in Abeokuta as it celebrates Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka on his 91st birthday.

As a result, all is set for a feast of performances, intellectual discourse, exhibition in Abeokuta as Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, turns 91 today, Sunday, July 13.

This feast is part of the string of activities the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange is organizing across two continents to mark its 16th anniversary, thus continuing its legacy as a vital platform for cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and intellectual engagement, inspired by the enduring influence of the Nobel Laureate.

From its inaugural edition in 2010—marking Soyinka’s 76th birthday— WSICE has grown into a globally respected platform where art, advocacy and African identity converge.

This year, the tradition continues with events scheduled for July 13 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, and July 24–25 in London, United Kingdom, in partnership with The Africa Centre.

The overarching theme for the 2025 edition is “Decolonisation of African Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership”. And it invites participants to interrogate postcolonial realities while envisioning new pathways for African futures.

It will unfold across two continents—Nigeria and the United Kingdom—with landmark events scheduled for July 13 in Abeokuta, and July 24–25 in London.

With a powerful cross-continental celebration of creativity, culture and youth leadership, featuring performances, poetry recitals, exhibitions, roundtables, film screenings and live music, the grand celebration holds today at Soyinka’s “Ijegba Forest of Literature”.

The 2025 programme explores postcolonial identity and interrogates how young Africans can reclaim agency and reimagine leadership in ways that honour their cultural heritage while engaging the demands of a globalised world.

Since its inception, WSICE has remained deeply connected to Soyinka’s personal values and intellectual commitments—drawing young minds into the work of building a more thoughtful, expressive and culturally conscious society.

This year’s programme builds on last year’s sensational partnership with The Africa Centre in celebrating Soyinka’s 90th birthday to further embed the successes and continue to honour his values.

The Sunday programme will host ‘The Youth Talent Showcase (DYOT – Do Your Own Thing)’, a celebration of youth voices through performance—music, spoken word, drama, and indigenous arts; the Female Talking Drummers Showcase: Young female drummers reclaim traditional rhythms as tools of empowerment, and Creative Exchanges: Art exhibitions, mentorship, and cultural tributes.

In London, July 24–25, at The Africa Centre, WSICE hosts its UK advocacy segment, offering deep reflections on culture, society and the artist’s evolving role in Africa’s leadership.

Highlights include International Advocacy Panel Theme: “The Artist as Postcolonial Agent: Canvas of Leadership Nuances”. Speakers and contributors will explore how African creatives confront systems, shape narratives and influence policy.

Keynote Speakers are Professor Wilson Mano and Dr. Vanessa Iwowo. Anchors are the CEO, The Africa Centre, Olu Alake and Dr. Samantha Iwowo, Bournemouth University.

The slated activities also include ‘Africa Youth Literature, Communication & Arts Workshop’, facilitated by Aduke and Abolore Sobayo. This new feature equips young creatives with tools for storytelling, artistic leadership and self-expression.

Cultural Night: A vibrant fusion of live music, poetry, and visual storytelling. Featured artists include: Kayefi (Afro-folk), Aduke (Neo-soul/Afro-jazz), Segun Akinduro (Sound and performing artiste), Abolore Sobayo (Cultural design), and Eyinju Eledumare (Performance poetry).

The Executive Producer of WSICE and MD/CEO of ZMirage, Dr. Olateju Kareem, shared his vision: “As culture continues to be our pride, let a better understanding of each other’s cultures yield respect and tolerance—leading to unity and the advancement of our shared humanity.”

He added a special tribute to the man at the heart of the programme: “We deeply thank Professor Soyinka for lending not just his name to this initiative, but for personally receiving youth participants each year at his home, and for attending both the Nigerian and UK editions. His presence—from Abeokuta to The Africa Centre in London—reinforces his enduring role as mentor to generations of young thinkers, writers, and artists.”

The CEO of The Africa Centre, Olu Alake, said: “Building on the truly memorable activities that we hosted for WS@90 last year, The Africa Centre is really proud to be a part of the continued honouring of Prof Soyinka’s profound leadership.

“This year’s focus which is on youth, leadership and the pivotal role of the artists as embodiments of cultural continuity and catalysts for a paradigm shift in African leadership is timely and critical. We look forward to another memorable event that will result in real change.”

WSICE 2025 is produced by ZMirage Multimedia Company Ltd., led by Dr. Olateju Kareem, alongside co-executive producer, Prof. Segun Ojewuyi, and in collaboration with respected institutions across both Nigeria and the UK.

“Nigeria’s production team includes Mr. Jahman Anikulapo – Head of Communications; Dr. Tunde Awosanmi – Creative Director; Prof. Razinat Muhammed – Head of Adjudication; Linda Olowokere – Youth Programme Producer; Lilian Amah-Aluko – Production Lead; Ayo Aladekomo – Producer; and Joy Nweye – Associate Producer.

The WSICE is organised on the platform of the OpenDoorSeries ProjectWS, an international cultural exchange programme designed for the purpose of using the platforms of Arts (literary & performing) and Culture to affirm and uphold the dignity of man. Organised and sponsored by Zmirage Multimedia Ltd (Nigeria & UK) led by Dr. Teju Kareem, and co-produced with Prof Segun Ojewuyi (immediate past Dean of College of Art & Media, Southern Illinois University, SIU, Carbondale, USA).

According to Kareem, the OpenDoorSeries continues to enjoy supports from public and corporate organisations, especially Ogun State Government.

The Africa Centre, originally conceived to foster non-governmental relations between newly independent Africa and Britain, has since evolved into a forward-thinking, inclusive and respected cultural institution that promotes positive conversations about Africa.