By Sabiu Abdullahi
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has unveiled a statue in honour of the late literary icon, Chinua Achebe, in his hometown of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The monument, which stands at the Ugwunwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, was unveiled on Saturday. The event came 13 years after the celebrated novelist passed away.
Speaking at the ceremony, Soludo described Achebe as a literary giant whose influence extends far beyond Nigeria. He also pledged that his administration would continue to support efforts aimed at preserving the author’s legacy and encouraging the growth of future literary talents in the state.
> “Achebe represents excellence and remains one of the world’s greatest literary figures. We will continue to support initiatives that inspire the emergence of more Achebes in Idemili north and Anambra state,” the governor said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, said Achebe and Soludo had brought global recognition to Anambra through their outstanding achievements.
The Anambra State Government said the statue would help preserve Achebe’s legacy while promoting the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Ogidi.
Achebe, who is widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, was born on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi to the family of an Anglican evangelist.
He rose to international prominence after the publication of Things Fall Apart in 1958. The novel has since been translated into dozens of languages and remains one of the most widely read works of African literature.
Apart from fiction, Achebe wrote essays, poetry and short stories that examined colonialism, governance, identity and post-independence Africa. His contributions earned him several international honours during his lifetime.
Achebe died on March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, at the age of 82 after a brief illness. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Ogidi on May 23, 2013.
Some of his notable works include No Longer at Ease, Arrow of God, and The Trouble with Nigeria.
