Prominent
Nigerian, Nobel Prize Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, announced the
sad news while briefing journalists today, November 25. Soyinka, who
celebrated his 80th birthday in July, is a renowned and respected
playwright, poet, essayist and activist. Born in Ogun State, he became
the first African to have been awarded the Nobel prize in literature
(1986).
Soyinka spoke about the ailment today at the June 12 Cultural Center
in Ogun State. He said he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer last
December, according to Sahara Reporters.He added that early detection
and proper nutrition helped him to remain stable.
Soyinka stressed the importance of awareness and preventative measures in stopping the disease progressing.
While initially he felt that cancer was “an unwanted squatter in his
body”, he later resolved that he “had to get rid of it whether it is a
slow growing one or malignant”, the Nobel Prize winner confessed.The
Nation reports that the founder of African Cancer Centre, Lagos, Prof.
Olu Williams, assured Soyinka that he would “not die of cancer”, but
would only “die with the ailment”.
Meanwhile Soyinka’s son Olaokun Soyinka, who is Commissioner for
Health in Ogun State, later confirmed to the newsmen that his father was
treated for prostate cancer.
It could not be learnt however at what stage the ailment was.
Premium Times adds that the Nobel laureate also explained that cancer should not be considered a death sentence.
“Many people feel it is a death sentence. Family feel it; friends,
colleagues, they begin to look at you as if you are a ghost once there
is rumour you have cancer. No, cancer is not a death sentence, it is
curable, I have undergone the treatment and I am able to tell you that I
even have a model, that’s my certificate.”
He noted however that cancer menace should be taken seriously.
“The important thing is that I am convinced that we have enough funds
in this nation to build cancer centres, including research that this
nation require. It is very capital intensive, some of it, but there are
many ways and treatments for cancer just like there are many kinds of
cancer. Even diet forms an important part. Diet is critical.”
It would be recalled that earlier this year Prof. Soyinka’s wife
Folake, who as it turns out already knew about her husband’s health
condition, spoke warmly about their family, relationships and challenges
in their life.
The two have been living in a happy marriage since 1989 and have 3 children.
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