Prof. Femi Osofisan Expresses Deep Gratitude for Outpouring of Love on 80th Birthday Celebration

 EMERITUS PROFESSOR FEMI OSOFISAN EXPRESSES DEEP GRATITUDE FOR OUTPOURING OF LOVE ON 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

By ANA Media Team

Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the third President of the Association, has expressed profound appreciation to friends, colleagues, family members, students, admirers, and well-wishers across the world for the overwhelming goodwill and support he received during the celebration of his 80th birthday.

In a heartfelt letter of gratitude released several weeks after the milestone event, the renowned playwright, scholar, and literary icon apologized for the delay in acknowledging the countless gestures of love, explaining that he had been overwhelmed by the extraordinary scale of the celebration.

Reflecting on the event, Professor Osofisan described the celebration as far beyond anything he had imagined. While he had anticipated spending quality time with loved ones, he said nothing had prepared him for the immense outpouring of affection that came from different parts of the world. According to him, the overwhelming response left him momentarily speechless as he tried to come to terms with the magnitude of the occasion and its lasting impact.

The celebrated dramatist acknowledged the support and goodwill he received from people across continents, including friends and admirers in Lagos, London, Bayreuth, Beijing, New York, Nairobi, Berlin, Accra, Ibadan, and many other cities. He expressed gratitude to family members, students, colleagues, mentors, media professionals, aides, and acquaintances who honoured him through prayers, goodwill messages, telephone calls, WhatsApp messages, personal visits, and generous gifts. He noted that every gesture contributed to making the celebration a truly unforgettable experience.

Professor Osofisan also recalled a memorable remark from one of his closest friends during the festivities, who described the occasion as more than a birthday celebration. According to the note, the event was "not a birthday party" but "a fiesta" and "a carnival"—a description the literary icon said perfectly captured the joyous atmosphere and the remarkable display of love and solidarity that surrounded the celebration.

Among the many expressions of goodwill that touched him deeply, Professor Osofisan highlighted the spontaneous demonstrations of affection, the widespread appreciation for his life's work, and the congratulatory letter he received from the President. He reflected that such recognition was especially meaningful for someone who does not belong to any political party, royal institution, religious establishment, or exclusive association, but has chosen to live by the values of intellect, integrity, and compassion throughout his life.

While promising to personally acknowledge as many individuals as possible, Professor Osofisan admitted that the sheer number of well-wishers might make it impossible to reach everyone individually. He therefore issued the collective message as a sincere expression of gratitude, thanking all who celebrated him in one way or another. He concluded by extending his heartfelt appreciation to everyone whose prayers, presence, messages, and acts of kindness made his 80th birthday an unforgettable milestone.