Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has unveiled a statue in honour of renowned novelist and literary icon, the late Chinua Achebe, in his hometown of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The monument, located at Ugwunwasike Roundabout, was unveiled on Saturday, 13 years after the celebrated author passed away.
Speaking during the ceremony, Soludo described Achebe as a global literary giant whose works continue to shape generations of readers and writers across the world.
According to the governor, the state government remains committed to preserving Achebe’s legacy while creating an enabling environment for the emergence of more literary talents in Anambra.
“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 governor noted that Achebe’s remarkable contributions to literature have placed Anambra and Nigeria on the global cultural map, adding that his administration would continue to invest in programmes that celebrate creativity, education and intellectual excellence.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, hailed both Achebe and Soludo for projecting the image of Anambra State beyond Nigeria’s borders through their respective achievements.
The Anambra State Government said the statue forms part of broader efforts to preserve the legacy of the acclaimed author while promoting the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Ogidi.
Widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, Achebe was born on November 16, 1930, into the family of an Anglican evangelist in Ogidi, Anambra State.
Achebe died on March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, at the age of 82 after a brief illness. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Ogidi on May 23, 2013.
