'Corruption created Boko Haram,' Nobel Laureate says

dimeji akinloye

May 26, 2016 12:50 AM

Soyinka said Boko Haram "rose from systemic and widespread corruption of Nigerian government."

Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Professor

He said the sect "rose from systemic and widespread corruption of Nigerian government."

Soyinka was quoted to have said this during "The Road to Justice" session at the Oslo Freedom Forum 2016, held in Norway, where he was a guest speaker.

Speaking on the topic; "How Corruption Created Boko Haram", the novelist said Boko Haram literally means "book anathema" – meaning they hate books and learning.

"A tragic gulf often exists between a people and their leadership. Nowhere is this better illustrated than with Boko Haram," Soyinka added.

READ: How herdsmen invaded Wole Soyinka’s home

The three-day event, which kicked off Monday, May 23 and wrapped up on Wednesday, May 25, was an engaging and unique platform to learn and share stories with some of the bravest and most captivating global leaders in activism, business, media, philanthropy, policy, and technology.

The 2016 edition bordered on how best to promote a more peaceful, prosperous, and ultimately a free world.

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dimeji akinloye