The late literary icon; Professor Chinua Achebe remains the pride and inspiration of the good people of Ogidi and all of Africa, according to Igwe Alex Onyido, the traditional ruler of the Ogidi community in Anambra State. Achebe achieved this not only by serving the world in literature with his works as a novelist, poet, teacher, and social critic, but also by providing immeasurable development assistance to the Ogidi community with his creative instinct
Igwe Onyido who spoke on the sidelines of the 10 year memorial church service being organized by Ogidi community in honor of Achebe at the weekend, noted that Ogidi will continue to celebrate the late literary icon because he was at the centre of development of Ogidi to the point that he served at one time as President General of Ogidi town union never minding his height as a global icon whose books are beings translated in over 50 languages round the world.
The Monarch clarified, “Yes, we are celebrating Achebe with the rest of the world 10 years after his demise since his achievements are still highly significant to the universe. He continues to serve as a role model and an inspiration for all of us, young and old.” Things Fall Apart,” a book he wrote when he was 28 years old, shocked the entire globe. I’m honored to serve as the Traditional ruler in Achebe’s native town. A university in the United States once invited me to attend a celebration it hosted in honor of Achebe.
The Monarch bemoaned the fact that Achebe’s people are yet to accord him due honor despite the fact that both the federal government of Nigeria and the government of the Southeast region have yet to deem it worthy enough to do so. The Monarch noted that Achebe, a social critic and defender of the oppressed, twice turned down national honors awards in protest of the poor governance in Nigeria and the marginalization of his people.
SOURCE: The Sun
IMAGE: All Africa
