In recognition of his efforts to immortalize the legacy of Africa’s literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was presented with the prestigious “Chinua Achebe Award of Excellence” by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter. The award was presented during the 2024 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, held at the Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library in Awka.
The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the significance of renaming the Anambra State International Passenger and Cargo Airport in Umueri after Prof. Achebe. This gesture, made on Nigeria’s Independence Day in 2023, was a tribute to Achebe’s contributions to society and his role in elevating Anambra State on the global stage.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo urged students to see Achebe as a role model and emphasized the importance of education reform, particularly the provision of quality education for Anambra’s children, in line with his administration’s commitment to sustaining free education.
The keynote address at the event was delivered by the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, represented by Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Paul University. Obi encouraged young people to focus on their growth and aspire to follow in the footsteps of Achebe.
Chairman of the occasion, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, called for collective effort in grooming the younger generation to become responsible citizens. The event also saw the unveiling of the ninth edition of the Chinua Achebe Poetry and Essay Anthology, along with an essay competition involving various schools in the state.
Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism, and Entertainment, Mr. Don Onyenji, and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, who commended Governor Soludo for his policies aimed at positively engaging the youth.
