Nigerian author and filmmaker Onyeka Nwelue has revealed how Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka came to his aid by paying the outstanding cost of his knee surgery after learning about his financial predicament.

Nwelue disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday while celebrating Soyinka’s 92nd birthday, describing the literary icon as someone whose generosity had transformed his life on several occasions.

According to him, the surgery cost about ₦39 million, but he still owed the hospital about ₦10 million after the operation.

“When I told Professor Wole Soyinka that my knee surgery cost about 39 million and that I had about 10 million to pay the hospital, he said: ‘Let me get to Lagos this Friday and see what I can send.’”

Nwelue said Soyinka requested the hospital’s bank details, which he forwarded to him.

He recalled that after making the transfer, the Nobel Laureate personally followed up to ensure the payment had reached the hospital.

“By Monday, he messaged me: ’Receiving no notification from you, I asked my bank for confirmation that the money has been sent.

“‘Forwarding separately the affirmation documents from the bank in case you need to track the funds. Bank document attached in case you need to track the remittance. I just wish to ensure it’s landed in the right place,” he said.

Nwelue said he immediately contacted the hospital, where officials confirmed that the outstanding bill had been paid in full.

“When I reached out to the hospital, they confirmed they had received the complete money. What could I have done without him?” he wrote.

In another post marking Soyinka’s birthday, Nwelue paid tribute to the Nobel Laureate, describing him as someone who remains remarkably active despite his age.

“My true love is 92 years today! He is still very active. Uses his iPhone and sends his emails. Travels frequently. I am forever grateful to Nature for everything,” he wrote.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Nwelue recently credited Soyinka for helping him secure residency in Japan after standing as his guarantor during the application process.

According to the author, Soyinka wrote a formal letter to Japanese authorities in April 2025 introducing him as “a bona fide visitor to Japan” and personally guaranteed his conduct during his stay.

Nwelue also disclosed that Soyinka had previously supported his literary career by posing with a copy of his book, The Beginning of Everything Colourful, to help promote it, saying the rare gesture significantly boosted the book’s visibility and strengthened his relationship with Japan.