Thirteen years after the death of renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has honoured his legacy with the unveiling of a statue in his hometown of Ogidi.
The monument, located at Ugwunwasike Roundabout in Idemili North Local Government Area, was unveiled on Saturday as part of efforts to celebrate the literary giant whose influence continues to resonate across the world.
Speaking at the ceremony, Soludo described Achebe as a symbol of excellence whose life and work remain an inspiration to generations of writers and scholars.
The governor said his administration would continue to preserve Achebe’s legacy while creating opportunities that would encourage the rise of more literary talents in Anambra 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,” Soludo said.
The event drew government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and lovers of literature. Among them was the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, who praised both Achebe and Soludo for bringing pride and global recognition to Anambra State.
Achebe, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, achieved international acclaim with his 1958 novel Things Fall Apart, a classic that has been translated into dozens of languages and remains one of the most studied African literary works worldwide.
The newly unveiled statue is expected to preserve Achebe’s memory while boosting cultural heritage and literary tourism in Ogidi, his ancestral home.
Achebe died on March 21, 2013, at the age of 82 in Boston, Massachusetts, after a brief illness. He was laid to rest on May 23, 2013, in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
