The Pan African Writers Association ( PAWA) has sent a congratulatory message to Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan on his 80th birthday anniversary which comes up today, June 16 2026.
In the message jointly signed by PAWA’S President, Professor Bill Ndi and the Secretary General, Dr Wale Okediran, PAWA paid a glowing tribute to the celebrated African writer and playwright for his immense contributions to African Theatre.
Babafemi Adeyemi Osofisan (born June 16, 1946), is well noted for his critique of societal problems and his use of African traditional performances and surrealism in some of his plays.
A frequent theme that his drama explores is the conflict between good and evil. He is a didactic writer whose works seek to correct his decadent society. He has written poetry under the pseudonym Okinba Launko.
Osofisan’s career has been recognized both nationally and internationally.
He has received the Nigerian National Order of Merit in the Humanities, multiple awards from the Association of Nigerian Authors, and the Thalia Prize from the International Association of Theatre Critics, making him the first African recipient.
He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, underscoring his contribution to literature, theatre, and scholarship.
Through his plays, novels, poetry, and teaching, he has shaped modern Nigerian theatre and inspired new generations of writers and performers.
His ability to blend traditional African storytelling with modern dramatic techniques ensures that African theatre remains both culturally grounded and globally resonant.
His works continue to be performed internationally and studied academically, cementing his legacy as a visionary dramatist who transformed postcolonial African theatre.
Femi Osofisan’s life and work show how theatre and literature can sustain the enduring power of African storytelling traditions, blending them with modern drama to address societal challenges and historical memory.
PAWA also used the occasion of the birthday to honor Femi Osofisan who is a past PAWA Vice President ( West Africa) and later PAWA President with the prestigious PAWA Patron of the Arts Award.
The investiture ceremony will take place at a future date and venue.
