Wole Soyinka Supports Onyeka Nwelu's Japan Residency

Nigerian author and filmmaker Onyeka Nwelu disclosed that Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka supported his journey to secure permanent residency in Japan. Nwelu expressed gratitude for Soyinka's intervention, describing it as pivotal in his relocation process.

A formal letter written and signed by Soyinka in April 2025 introduced Nwelu as a bona fide visitor to Japan, vouching for his character and professional commitments. Soyinka highlighted the cultural significance of Nwelu's visit, noting that it would enhance the existing cultural ties between Japan and Nigeria.

Nwelu stressed the importance of acknowledging support from individuals while they are alive, contrasting it with the common practice of paying tribute posthumously. He shared a photograph of Soyinka posing with a copy of his book "Begin Everyth Colour," which Soyinka did not write a blurb for, marking a rare gesture of support.

This milestone culminated years of literary and cultural engagement between Nwelu and Japan.