By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
A joyous and vibrant celebration took place in Ogidi when the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo unveiled the statue of the renowned “Father of Modern African Literature,” Prof. Chinua Achebe, at Nwasike roundabout in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, on July 18.
During the unveiling, the governor emphasised the powerful message embedded in the statue, symbolising excellence and authenticity. “We should emulate Prof. Chinua Achebe’s life and message. He was a gift to the world; Ogidi, Anambra, and Africa—so today we honour him at his home. Though he is no longer alive, his ideas continue to influence society, specifically in Anambra, Igboland, Nigeria, Africa, and humanity as a whole.
“Ogidi youth, I challenge you to ask questions about this icon whenever you pass this road. Idemili North, which includes Ogidi, Nkpor, Abatete, and Umuoji, has become a hub of cultism, something that would make Chinua Achebe weep from wherever he is, as it contradicts his teachings of hard work,” he said.
Governor Soludo shared that he personally drew inspiration from Prof. Achebe during Achebe’s 1982 lecture, when Achebe was the deputy national chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). He highlighted the importance of academics engaging in community service and societal involvement, rather than just criticising from the classroom, which motivated him to join politics and name his second son ‘Chinua’ after the literary icon.
Earlier, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, Mayor of Idemili North, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for erecting a statue of Prof. Chinua Achebe in Ogidi, calling it a lasting legacy for future generations. “Prof. Chinua Achebe was a world-class man, just like our Governor, who associates himself with excellence,” he remarked.
In his response, Prof. Ike Achebe, son of the late literary giant, sincerely thanked the governor for the honour—naming the airport after his father and erecting a statue to honour his legacy.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
