.
The Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) said the Nigerian literature is growing in Korea and has underscored the need for more partnership between the two countries.
This was revealed when KCCN hosted an event to celebrate the 90th birthday of Africa’s first Nobel Prize winner, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
The event which held at the Korean Cultural Centre was aimed at promoting cultural exchange between South Korea and Nigeria through literature.
Haley Suh, a writer and host from South Korea, who delivered the keynote address via Skype on behalf of the KCCN, highlighted the need for more cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries.
Suh noted that African literature has is growing in South Korea, and Prof. Soyinka is recognized as a giant in modern African literature. However, she observed that his works are relatively limited in Korea.
The available selection of Prof. Soyinka’s works in Korea is limited, with only a few books translated into Korean. Suh emphasized the need to expand the literary partnership between the two countries.
Suh proposed a collaborative cross-cultural writing project between Nigerian and Korean writers, translators, and readers. The project aims to promote mutual understanding and respect between the two cultures.
The project would involve writers working together to blend their narratives and translators bridging the language gap, and readers engaging with each other.
Suh also recommended bilingual translations of short stories, poems, and essays from Korean and Nigerian authors. She emphasized the importance of translation in cross-cultural writing and readership.
The event featured an exhibition of books by Prof. Soyinka and other Nigerian and Korean writers. The exhibition was organized by the KCCN and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
Retired General Tukur Buratai, represented by Major Gen. Abdulkadir Bulama Biu, expressed delight at being part of the occasion. He emphasized the importance of preserving Prof. Soyinka’s legacy for future generations.
The Director, Center for Wole Soyinka Study, University of Abuja, Mr. Ojeniyi Olabode Wale, remarked that Prof. Soyinka is not celebrated enough in Nigeria. He stressed that Soyinka’s commitment to humanity, liberation, and freedom should be recognized and celebrated.