Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has issued a stern challenge to the youth, demanding they reject the scourge of cultism and obscene materialism in favor of the intellectual and moral integrity championed by the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe.
Speaking at the unveiling of a monumental statue dedicated to the author of Things Fall Apart at the Nwasike Roundabout, Ogidi, Governor Soludo framed the tribute not merely as a celebration of the past, but as a roadmap for the future.
“Today, we go back to the root; that Chinua Achebe, though dead, he lives,” Governor Soludo declared. “His ideals will continue to shape the society. This statue is a declaration. For me, it is very fitting that we immortalize 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, historically the home of the literary giant. He lamented the rise of cult-related elements in the area, stating, “Idemili North 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.”
Governor Soludo emphasized that the monument serves as a permanent, public conscience for the state. “Remember the message behind this statue: he lived and told us the right way to live,” he urged. “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,” the Governor remarked.
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 honor, 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 honor of the writer.
Representing the Achebe family, his son, Professor Ike Achebe expressed deep appreciation for the state’s continued dedication to his father’s memory.
The event also featured tributes from the Mayor of Idemili North, Engr. 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.