Anambra state Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has renamed the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport to Chinua Achebe International Passenger and Cargo Airport.
The decision to Imortalize the late legendary novelist was contained in a viral WhatsApp message from Governor Soludo’s New Media Aide, Mazi Ejimofor.
According to a report by Uche Nworah, the renaming of the airport which was built in the later stages of the administration of the immediate past Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and remains one of the biggest legacies of his administration had pitched supporters of the two governors against one another.
Professor Soludo had hinted that the state planned to rename the Anambra International Covention Centre, Awka, another Obiano legacy after Governor Obiano. While speaking at the Anambra Investment Summit held in September 2023, Governor Soludo said that he was yet to discuss the proposed name change with his predecessor.
Those privy to conversations which ensued between Governor Soludo and Governor Obiano following this public announcement said that Governor Obiano declined the offer to rename the convention center after him. Many have argued that renaming the airport after him would have been more appropriate.
Ogidi, Anambra state-born Late Professor Chinua Achebe is one of Anambra’s prominent sons and wrote the book Things Fall Apart which has been translated into so many languages.
