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. Wole Soyinka also explained that cancer should not be considered a death sentence.

@OP..
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Hmmm...op please what's you source...it will be very sad if this is true. He's such an icon. And what is this thing with cancer and big people?