Onyeka Nwelue, author and filmmaker, has commended Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, for writing a recommendation letter pledging to stand as his guarantor while he sought residency in Japan.

Sharing Soyinka’s recommendation letter on his X handle on Monday, Nwelue described the Nobel laureate as “the greatest literary mind in Africa” and expressed gratitude for the endorsement.

“With the support of the greatest literary mind in Africa, I have become a resident of the greatest nation on earth, Japan,” he wrote.

“I remain indebted to this man till my last day on earth.”

In the letter, Soyinka introduced Nwelue as “a bona fide visitor to Japan in promotion of his artistic preoccupations,” adding that he would stand as guarantor for his mission and ensure compliance with Japanese laws and socio-cultural norms.

“I stand guarantor for his stated mission in Japan, and his compliance with Japanese laws and socio-cultural norms,” Soyinka wrote.

The playwright noted that he had collaborated with Nwelue on several projects, describing him as a “responsible individual and committed professional.”

Soyinka added that Nwalue’s visit would help strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and Japan, particularly in the arts, and promote knowledge exchange among young writers and artists.

He also referenced his own academic footprint in Japan, noting that his works are studied in several universities and secondary schools, and expressed confidence that Nwelue’s presence would deepen existing cultural relations between both countries.