Abayomi Susan
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has called on Nigerian youths to reject cultism, the pursuit of illicit wealth and other social vices, urging them instead to embrace the values of integrity, scholarship and excellence exemplified by the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe.
Governor Soludo made the call while unveiling a monumental statue of the celebrated author of Things Fall Apart at Nwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, describing the monument as both a tribute to Achebe’s enduring legacy and a moral compass for future generations.
According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo said the monument was designed to preserve Achebe’s ideals and inspire young people to follow the path of integrity and intellectual achievement.
“Today, we return to our roots. Though Chinua Achebe is no longer with us, his ideals remain alive and will continue to shape society. This monument is a declaration that we will continue to celebrate and immortalise him while presenting him as a worthy role model for our youth,” the governor said.
Soludo disclosed that Achebe had long been a personal inspiration, noting that he named his second son, Chinua, in honour of the renowned novelist.
The governor also expressed concern over the growing influence of cultism in Idemili North, Achebe’s hometown, describing the trend as contrary to everything the literary giant represented.
“If Chinua Achebe were alive today, he would weep over what is happening in Idemili North. Anyone involved in cultism, in one way or another, insults the memory of Chinua Achebe. Likewise, the obsession with displaying obscene wealth is not the path he taught us to follow,” he said.
He stressed that the monument would serve as a lasting reminder of the values Achebe championed throughout his life.
“Let this statue remind us of the right way to live. We want Nigerian youths to draw inspiration from his life and remain committed to the principles he stood for. May God raise many more Chinua Achebes in different fields of human endeavour,” Soludo added.
Describing Achebe as “the greatest of all time,” the governor said it was fitting that the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport had earlier been renamed in his honour as part of efforts to preserve his legacy.
Aburime noted that the unveiling ceremony, attended by scholars, traditional rulers and government officials, forms part of the Soludo administration’s broader initiative to institutionalise Achebe’s legacy within Anambra’s cultural and intellectual landscape. The airport was renamed after the literary icon in 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Professor Ike Achebe expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Government for continually honouring his father’s contributions to literature and society.
Also speaking at the event, the Mayor of Idemili North, Engr. Stanley Nkwoka, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, urged younger generations to preserve and uphold the intellectual legacy of Chinua Achebe as a source of inspiration for national development.
