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Governor Soludo’s Bold Move: Renaming Anambra Airport to Chinua Achebe Airport Sparks Joy

Anambra State Honors Chinua Achebe: A Literary Tribute Like No Other

by BurrowBoss October 2, 2023, 9:16 am 1.8k Views

Immortalising Chinua Achebe, best Independence Day

Chinua Achebe Airport Renaming

Governor Soludo's Bold Move: Renaming Anambra Airport to Chinua Achebe Airport Sparks Joy

Chinua Achebe Airport Renaming celebrates a literary icon's enduring legacy.

“Chinua Achebe Airport Renaming: A Literary Odyssey and Anambra's Renaissance”

In a momentous decision, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has etched the name of the late literary luminary, Prof. Chinua Achebe, in the annals of history. The renaming of the Anambra State International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after this iconic Nigerian author is more than a symbolic gesture; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of Achebe's literary prowess.

A Tribute to a Literary Icon
Governor Soludo's proclamation was made during the grandeur of the 2023 Independence Day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state's capital. This historic act has struck a chord with not only the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Anambra State Chapter, but also literary enthusiasts and intellectuals across the nation.

The announcement of the renaming filled the hearts of many with boundless joy, echoing the sentiment that literature holds an indispensable place in the heart of Nigeria's cultural identity. As young writers, the SYNW has been fervently advocating for the immortalization of Chinua Achebe through their annual program, the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, which they initiated in 2016.

A Literary Legacy Unveiled
This festival serves as a platform to honor Achebe's enduring literary legacy. Held at the Anambra State Central E-Library, Awka, it's a moment where creativity thrives, and the literary community pays homage to one of its greatest icons. A highlight of this event is the unveiling of an international poetry/essay anthology, the “Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology.” This anthology not only celebrates Achebe's work but also serves as a global platform for writers to contribute to the literary discourse.

Excitingly, the 8th edition of this anthology is set to be released this year, coinciding with the 2023 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture. Writers from across the globe eagerly anticipate this event, which further emphasizes the profound impact of Achebe's work on the literary world.

A Call for Recognition
Year after year, during the festival, the SYNW passionately reiterated their call for the government to immortalize Achebe, underlining the injustice of neglecting such a world-class intellectual. They raised their voices against the demoralizing effect this negligence had on aspiring writers and the youth.

In more recent editions of the festival, the demand took a specific form: a plea to rename the Anambra State International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after Achebe, and to establish an International Writers Residency in his honor. This request was not only a call to recognize Achebe's literary eminence but also to provide young writers with an institution that could nurture their talents. It's a fact that Nigeria has only two privately owned writers' residencies, a number disproportionate to its rich literary heritage.

Persistence in the Face of Silence
Despite their persistent appeals, the pleas of the SYNW seemed to fall on deaf ears until the conclusion of the immediate-past administration of Chief Willie Obiano. However, they remained steadfast in their quest, even during the tenure of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

Governor Soludo's Monumental Decision
Today, the SYNW expresses their deepest gratitude to Governor Soludo for heeding their call and fulfilling one of their requests to immortalize Achebe. This act is not just a precious Independence Day gift to Anambra writers; it's a gift to writers nationwide and beyond. By granting this request, Governor Soludo has won the hearts and support of young writers in Anambra State. Their appreciation for this profound gesture knows no bounds.

But the story doesn't end here. While thanking the Governor for fulfilling one part of their request, the SYNW respectfully appeals to him to consider fulfilling the second part: establishing the Chinua Achebe International Writers Residency in Anambra State. This residency would be of immense importance and impact, a place where budding writers can refine their skills and find inspiration.

As preparations for the 2023 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture are underway, this additional announcement from Governor Soludo would indeed be a dream come true.

A Noble Virtue Recognized
In conclusion, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo's decision to immortalize their role model, Prof. Chinua Achebe, demonstrates that being an intellectual is a noble virtue deserving of recognition. He has shattered the status quo, inspiring young writers to follow in Achebe's footsteps.

By solving and granting this age-old request, the Governor has proven that the solution to honoring our literary icons is here, within our grasp. This legacy is already etched in the sands of time, and posterity will forever remember him for such a historic act.

Join the Conversation
This monumental decision by Governor Soludo has sparked a national conversation about the importance of recognizing and honoring our literary icons. What are your thoughts on this initiative? Do you believe it's essential to immortalize literary champions like Chinua Achebe? Share your views and be part of this crucial conversation about the future of literature in Nigeria.

Governor Soludo's Bold Move: Renaming Anambra Airport to Chinua Achebe Airport Sparks Joy

As we celebrate the remarkable legacy of the late Prof. Chinua Achebe and the recent decision by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to immortalize this literary giant, it's only fitting to delve deeper into the world of Chinua Achebe. His contributions to literature have not only enriched our understanding of storytelling but have also shaped the cultural landscape of Nigeria and beyond.

Chinua Achebe's works, from the iconic “Things Fall Apart” to the thought-provoking “No Longer at Ease” and the poignant “Arrow of God,” continue to resonate with readers worldwide. These literary treasures serve as a testament to his profound wisdom and storytelling prowess.

If you're eager to explore Achebe's literary masterpieces or perhaps revisit them, we invite you to discover a curated selection of his books below. Delve into the world of Okonkwo, Obi Okonkwo, and Ezeulu, and let Achebe's words transport you to the heart of African storytelling. These books are not just a purchase; they are a journey into the soul of African literature and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Prof. Chinua Achebe.