President Bola Tinubu has named the newly commissioned Arterial Road N20, stretching from Northern Parkway (N8/N9) to the Outer Northern Expressway in the Jahi District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

This announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the road’s commissioning, following a recommendation from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

President Tinubu praised Prof. Soyinka as Nigeria’s foremost playwright, novelist, and Nobel Prize winner, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation’s development. Accepting the minister’s recommendation, Tinubu stated, “We all accept your recommendation on behalf of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The president also commended the efforts of FCT Minister Wike and his team, highlighting their successful contributions to the development of Abuja.

He noted, “Your momentum and recommendation to name this road as Wole Soyinka Way is well received. The acronym WIW – Wike Is Working – is resonating with all of us.”

Minister Nyesom Wike, in his address, emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals who have excelled during their lifetime.

He remarked, “It is good when someone is alive, who has contributed and has made this country happy, to recognize him, instead of waiting for when he dies.”

Wike recommended naming the road after Prof. Soyinka to honor the country’s only Nobel Laureate and inspire others to excel, hoping that future contributions would also be acknowledged.