By Ayomide OtitojuÂ
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has urged young Nigerians to reject cultism and the pursuit of illicit wealth, encouraging them instead to embrace the values of integrity, knowledge, and excellence exemplified by the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
Soludo made the call during the unveiling of a monument in honour of the renowned author of Things Fall Apart at Nwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, describing the statue as both a tribute to Achebe’s enduring legacy and a source of inspiration for future generations.
According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo said Achebe’s ideals remain relevant despite his passing.
“Today, we go back to the root; that Chinua Achebe, though dead, he lives. His ideals will continue to shape society. This statue is a declaration that we must immortalise and celebrate him, while presenting him as a role model for the younger generation,” the governor said.
Soludo noted that Achebe’s influence had inspired him personally, revealing that he named his second son “Chinua” in honour of the literary legend.
The governor also expressed concern over the growing incidence of cultism in Idemili North, Achebe’s hometown, describing it as contrary to the values the celebrated writer stood for.
“Anybody in a cult is, in a way, insulting the memory of Chinua Achebe. Those who brandish obscene wealth—Chinua Achebe told us it is not the way to go,” Soludo said.
He stressed that the monument would serve as a lasting reminder of Achebe’s principles and encourage young people to live purposeful and responsible lives.
“Remember the message behind this statue: he lived and told us the right way to live. By this statue we are unveiling today, Nigerian youths will derive inspiration and be determined to live by those values. May God give us many more Chinua Achebes in various fields,” he added.
Describing Achebe as “the greatest of all time,” Soludo said naming the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport after the celebrated author was a fitting recognition of his global contributions.
Aburime said the unveiling ceremony, attended by scholars, traditional rulers and government officials, forms part of the Soludo administration’s efforts to preserve and promote Achebe’s legacy. The event follows the 2023 renaming of the state’s international airport in the author’s honour.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Achebe’s son, Prof. Ike Achebe, thanked the Anambra State Government for its sustained commitment to preserving his father’s memory.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Mayor of Idemili North, Engr. Stanley Nkwoka, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who both emphasised the need to preserve Achebe’s intellectual legacy for future generations.
