Soludo unveils Achebe’s monument, urges youth to imbibe legacy

The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern challenge to the youth, demanding they reject the scourge of cultism and obscene materialism and imbibe the intellectual and moral integrity championed by the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Speaking at the unveiling of a monumental statue dedicated to the author of ‘Things Fall Apart’ at the Nwasike Roundabout, Ogidi, on Saturday, Soludo framed the tribute not merely as a celebration of the past, but as a roadmap for the future.

He said, “Today, we go back to the root; that Chinua Achebe, though dead, he lives. His ideals will continue to shape the society. This statue is a declaration. For me, it is very fitting that we immortalise and celebrate him, and for the young, to put him forward as a role model.

“He is a man I can proudly call a role model, so much so that even my second son was named ‘Chinua'”.

The governor did not mince words regarding the current state of Idemili North LGA, historically the home of the literary giant.

He lamented the rise of cult-related elements in the area, stating, “Idemili North LGA is something for which if Chinua Achebe were alive, he would be crying. 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.”

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Soludo emphasised that the monument serves as a permanent, public conscience for the state, adding, “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.”

Reflecting on the magnitude of the literary legend, the governor added, “He is the Greatest Of All Times(G.O.A.T). We named the airport in his honour, and it is very fitting, I must say.”

The ceremony, which brought together scholars, traditional rulers, and government officials, marks another significant step in the Soludo administration’s efforts to cement Achebe’s legacy within the state’s cultural fabric.

This follows the 2023 renaming of the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport in honour of the writer.

Representing the Achebe’s family, his son, Prof. Ike Achebe expressed deep appreciation for the state’s continued dedication to his father’s memory.

The event also featured tributes from the Chairman of Idemili North, Stanley Nkwoka, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, both of whom stressed the urgency of preserving Achebe’s intellectual trajectory for the next generation.