The 2025 edition of the Wole Soyinka Lecture (WSLS), the 27th in the series being hosted in collaboration with the Trinity College Dublin’s Centre for Forced Migration Studies is billed to open up global conversation on humanitarian crises leading to migration across the globe.

The theme for this year’s WSLS, “Building Resilient, Cohesive Communities & The Challenges of Global Migration: The Irish Experience” is a critical topic for discussion as the world continues to grapple with monumental challenges of migration. Whether caused by war and prejudice-motivated attacks with incendiary levels of insecurity and restiveness, or an escape from the exacerbated rising cost of living with an increasing gap of falling into poverty, migration continue to have a life changing impact in the lives of people throughout the world. Occasioned by growing insecurity problem, inter-communal wars and external invasion like the Russian-Ukraine war, the humanitarian crisis of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in their home countries raises the question requiring immediate attention. Especially when this restiveness is viewed against the backdrop of enlarging economic downturn, inflation, rising unemployment, and the political upheavals in hitherto stable democracies in around the world; the signs are ominous.

Additionally, the re-emergence of nationalism in the west, the negative rhetoric’s of elected politicians like Donald Trump and far-right politicians, as well as the negative perception towards people of “global majority” communities which has exacerbated racial tensions, in addition to Europe and America’s incapacity to continue to provide development support to struggling nations in the form of aids raises critical questions on the challenges of global migration. The need to re-examine the efforts of integration, equity and building cohesion may require modern approaches to combat the challenges, to foster world unity.

Like in previous editions, the 27th WSLS lecture will open up the conversation on this identified humanitarian crisis by providing the platform to facilitate the discourse on finding solutions that are pertinent, exigent and paramount to resolving this global human conflict. We can look forward with enthusiasm that our panel of experts with professional knowledge and lived experiences would share in-depth knowledge, highlighting the need to double efforts of integration, equity and building cohesion, as well as proffering solutions and modern approaches required to combat the challenges of migration and foster the development of a resilient, cohesive and united world community.

The 27th WSLS is a clarion call to dialogue, share experiences and network on national and global transformations. With the collaboration of one of the most famous institutions in Europe, the Trinity College Dublin, it is an opportunity to identify and learn from individuals, state actors and institutions that have, from violence and chaos, midwifed economic prosperity and social order; that have broken the culture of dependence, restoring peace and stability in times of conflict. Consequently, our speakers and discussants will shed some light on the Irish experience in enhancing integration, economic empowerment and building resilient communities that have survived through the ages.

From the presence and expected contribution of Minister Colm Brophy, the Irish Minister of State for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, to the array of speakers and discussants including; Dr Rachel Hoare (Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Forced Migration Studies), Dr Gillian Wylie (Associate Professor & Head of School, School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies), Dr Kunle Animashaun (Intercultural and Diversity Consultant & Lecturer), all from Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin.

Others are; Anton Floyd (Poet, Author and Educator), Angelika Sharygina (Journalist and PhD Student in Trinity College Dublin), Dr David Nyaluke (Secretary to the Steering Committee of the United Nations International decade for People of African Descent (UNIDPADI), and Cllr Kelechi JK Onwumereh (Deputy Mayor of Fingal County Council, Dublin).

The lecture will be moderated by Dr Lylian Fotabong, PhD and Rev. Fr. (Lt) Zubby Agboifo, OMSC, KC, ODC (former US Airforce Officer and veteran broadcaster) as the programme hosts.

The 2025 WSLS is expected to be graced by eminent personalities both from government, international organisations and private sector of the Irish society, and our guests of honour, His Excellency, Michael D. Higgins (President and Head of State of the Republic of Ireland) and our literary icon and Nobel Prize winner in literature, Professor Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate).

Best wishes as we look forward to a fulfilling and live changing experience.

Be assured of our highest regards.

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In the wake of the outcry of accusations of sectionalism and nepotistic appointments against the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, which has in some ways ignited a threat to Nigeria’s unity and coexistence in one political space and as one indivisible people, the topic for discussion in this year’s edition of the Wole Soyinka Lecture Series, is now more critical than ever to the political, social and economic growth of Nigeria. Notably, the recent uproar generated by the nomination of Mrs Opunimi Akinkugbe for an ambassadorial position has brought to the fore once again, the age-long question regarding the benefits of practices like the State Indigene, Federal Character and Quota System as against capability, competence, equitable distribution of resources, equal opportunity, residency and the culture of acceptance and assimilation. Comparative narratives of the experience of citizens in diaspora prove that the integration of diverse people is the bedrock of Nationalism and true Federalism and drives socio-economic development in a society. However, successful national integration requires dialogue with all stakeholders and policy implementation that are aimed at addressing the reduction of regional inequality and restiveness occasioned by the fear and realities of alienation. How do we change this trajectory and reposition Nigeria for greatness?

This lecture series is a clarion call to dialogue, share experiences and network on the transformation of Nigeria. We need to identify and institute a path that enthrones the culture of competence over quota system and regional favouritism.

The 23rd Wole Soyinka Lecture Series is scheduled to hold on a virtual platform, leveraging on the Wole Soyinka Digital Dialogue, on 31st July 2020 by 14.00 Hours (2pm) GMT. Prof Cyril Abobo, an infectious and Immunological Diseases Expert with Texas Southern University, USA is the keynote speaker while discussants include Ms Kadaria Ahmed, renowned broadcaster and journalist, Prof ‘Femi Odekunle, a defense and security expert, Ms Annkio Briggs, Environmental and Human Rights Activist and Ejiro Umukoro, another renowned broadcaster and journalist will serve as the moderator.

The Wole Soyinka Lecture Series was founded in 1994 by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) to provide a platform for national and global intellectual discourse and proffer solutions to critical problems impeding democratic growth and socioeconomic development, particularly in Nigeria and the world in general. Since its inception, the WSLS has hosted Twenty-Two lectures in three continents of the world (Africa, Europe and North America) with notable and distinguished speakers from around the world delivering key lectures and leading discussions. The Wole Soyinka Lecture Series is symptomatic of the intellectual bent of the organisers – the National Association of Seadogs, which is equally indicative of the person of Professor Wole Soyinka and the charismatic leadership that he has provided for decades. Founding this forum where solutions are proffered to critical problems facing humanity, and using a global figure as a rallying point, speaks volumes of the direction of the Association’s community causes and the adoption of a multi-tactical approach to the realization of our dreams for a better world.

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An eminent African leader to be announced soon will be delivering a lecture on the theme: Democracy, Good Governance and Development in Africa – The Need for Effective and Visionary Leadership.

The last lecture which was the 18th in the series, held on 12th June 2015 at Greenbelt Marriott Hotel, Washington DC, United States. The keynote speaker was (Dr.) Robin Renee Sanders, Former US Ambassador to Nigeria and CEO-FEEEDS Advocacy Initiative. She spoke on: Imperatives of Building Strong Africa Democracies & Spurring Economic Development: “Frameworks in the New African Security Context”. Read the full text of the lecture here. Other speakers at the event included Prof Okey Ndibe. For details about the 18th Wole Soyinake Lecture, click here.

The Wole Soyinka Lecture Series is a conception of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), the lecture series is dedicated to honouring one of Nigeria and Africa’s most outstanding  literary icons and enduring social activist and human rights campaigner. According to Prince Ifeanyi Onochie, NAS Capn of the National Association of Seadogs Pyrates Confraternity, “The Wole Soyinka Lecture Series was established with the cardinal aim of promoting good governance, social justice and the advancement of democratic ideals locally in Nigeria and globally across all nations; on the principle that by highlighting issues and challenges individuals and governments face in delivering good, responsible and accountable governance, and providing a platform for their evaluation and discussion, clear, practical and internationally acceptable solutions and intervention strategies can be developed, which will, in turn, guarantee that through efficient and effective service delivery, nation-states can incrementally enhance citizen welfare, improve living standards and protect the rights to life and property of the most vulnerable members of society.“

More information on the event as well as the keynote will be published in due course. To stay updated, please sign up for our newsletter.

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The Key Note Speaker for this event is Ambassador Dr. Robin Renee Sanders, whose illustrious career as a diplomat, scholar, social entrepreneur, economic development advocate and cultural icon speaks volumes of an eminent capacity to adequately explore and elucidate the salient issues of the subject matter. Ambassador Sanders is a subject matter expert on Africa; the passion and commitment she exhibited for Afro-centric development culminated in her appointment as United States Ambassador to Republic of Congo (2002-2005) and Nigeria (2008-2010), among other high responsibilities. She has consistently shown unwavering purposefulness, clarity of thoughts and extensiveness of action, especially in addressing issues of food and social security, education, economic development, democracy, power and empowerment of at-risk communities within and beyond the shores of the United States of America.

Celebrating a role model like the Nobel Laureate, who, through his life’s work, vigorous, selfless engagement of the community of man to curb social injustice and irresponsible government has become a beacon of hope and a moral compass to many; with his peculiar sense of humanism. This is a unique opportunity for members of the confraternity to provide a platform for robust discussion, a platform to proffer answers to critical problems facing our nation Nigeria in particular and humanity at large. Using this global figure as a rallying point speaks loudly of the direction of the group’s community causes and the adoption of a multi-dimensional approach to the realization of our visions for a better world.

More information on the event as well as the keynote will be published in due course. To stay updated, please sign up for our newsletter.

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“The United States is deeply committed to helping African countries strengthen their political institutions, address the challenges of governance, promote an active and empowered civil society, and uphold human rights.  We view these efforts as vital to achieving Africa’s economic and security goals, because strong, accountable, and transparent institutions and a commitment to the rule of law help attract investment and generate prosperity, create trust in government, and help mitigate conflict and protect civilians from violence.”

Scheduled to hold on 12th June 2015 at Greenbelt Marriott Hotel, Washington DC, United States, the 18th edition of the annual Wole Soyinka Lecture is especially dedicated to all the victims; individuals, families and nations that have been impacted by the brutal and unprecedented surge in armed insurgency and transnational terrorism. It sets out to identify, highlight and discuss the issues, circumstances, factors and influences that have contributed to the current state of insecurity threatening the corporate existence and sovereignty of many nations, especially across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Wole Soyinka Lecture Series is an annual event usually held in the month of July (the birth month of Professor Wole Soyinka – Nobel Laureate) and is aimed at promoting good governance, social justice and the advancement of democratic ideals locally in Nigeria and globally.

A conception of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), the lecture series is dedicated to honouring one of Nigeria and Africa’s most outstanding and enduring literary icons in the person of Professor Wole Soyinka who turned 80 this year.

More information on the event as well as the keynote will be published in due course. To stay updated, please sign up for our newsletter.

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