By Ayomide Otitoju
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and renowned Nigerian artist Chief Nike Okundaye have been honoured by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Senate for their outstanding contributions to literature, art, and cultural preservation.
The honours were conferred on March 26 during the unveiling of the African Cultural Festival 2025 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. The festival, scheduled to hold from September 19 to 20, 2025, is expected to celebrate African heritage and strengthen cross-cultural exchanges between Africa, the United States, and the global community.
Prof. Soyinka received the “Distinguished Honors” award for his exceptional contributions to global literature, human rights advocacy, and cultural dialogue. The Pennsylvania Senate praised his pioneering role in modern African literature and his enduring commitment to free speech, democracy, and social justice. The state’s House of Representatives, led by Speaker Joanna E. McClinton, also lauded him for inspiring critical thought across generations.
Chief Nike Okundaye, founder of the Nike Art Gallery in Lagos, was celebrated for her transformative work in contemporary African art. She was specifically recognised for reviving and modernising the traditional Adire resist-dyeing technique, blending indigenous motifs with contemporary styles and earning international acclaim. Lawmakers highlighted her efforts in empowering over 5,000 marginalized women through training in textile-making and traditional crafts, describing her work as pivotal in promoting economic independence and cultural sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Wole Adeniyi, CEO of ACI234, the organisers of the festival, said the celebration aims to enhance Africa’s global influence in arts and culture. “The festival will solidify Africa’s cultural identity while promoting sustainable growth and innovation within the creative economy,” Adeniyi said.
As part of the upcoming festival, ACI234 Entertainment LLC will unveil Duduplugs, a digital platform designed to connect creative industries across continents and boost Africa’s creative economy.
Festival Director Foluke Michael described the event as a “vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation,” and credited Lagos State for laying the groundwork through the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, which was previously led by Prof. Soyinka as consultant. She traced the origins of the African Cultural Festival to that era, referencing the symbolic “Rhumble in Lagos” match featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and boxing legend Evander Holyfield.
Michael also announced that the official countdown to the 2025 edition will kick off in Lagos at the end of April, setting the stage for a global showcase of African excellence.
