Ogidi Community Set to Immortalize Chinua Achebe with University

By Praise Chinecherem

Leaders of Ogidi Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have concluded plans to establish a university to be named after late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, Igwe Alex Onyido disclosed this at the 10th year anniversary of late sage held at the community’s Town Hall.

He moved a motion seeking support of the community leaders for university project which was generally adopted.

According to the monarch, the community would provide land through donation or purchase where the University would be sited, calling on Prof Chukwuma Soludo-led administration and spirited Nigerians to support project.

He further disclosed that the institution would train more youths to be like Achebe as their role model.

He said, “Our late illustrious son, late High Chief (Prof) Chinua Achebe, Ugonabo Ogidi, was a traditionalist, a political and social critic and above all a globally celebrated literary icon who distinguished himself from among his comtemprories.

“The only way we can immortalize Achebe is to establish a university in his name because he touched many lives educationally, socially and otherwise.

“His legendary works of arts and literature have placed Ndigbo, Nigeria and Africa as a whole at the zenith on global scale.

“We use this opportunity to passionately request for immortalization of Prof Achebe in line with federal government’s promise in 2013 through ex-president Goodluck Jonathan by naming Anambra State Umeri after him, erecting his statue at Ugwunwasike roundabout and establishing a university in his name.”

Governor Soludo praised people of the community for organizing the anniversary of the late sage, saying Achebe deserved better recognition and immortalization in view of the fame and pride he brought to the state through his literature works.

He immediately approved the siting of Achebe’s statue at Ugwunwasike roundabout and dredging of flood site at Ogidi along old Awka road to protect lives and property.

Also speaking, former Commissioner for Information, Mr. C.Don Adinuba described Achebe as a great man who devoted his life for humanity, saying that he used his literature work to galvanize Ndigbo to chart a noble course of self reliance.