By Praise Chinecherem
The President-General Umueri General Assembly Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Amb. Chief Dr. John Chukwudi Metchie has congratulated Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for renaming Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport Umueri after the late renowned literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
Metchie described the immortalization of Chinua Achebe by Soludo as a worthwhile decision, saying legends of Anambra origin who have left indelible footprints in the sands of time should not be forgotten but be remembered for their immense contributions to human development.
He noted that late Achebe was not just an ambassador of the Igbo nation but attained global recognition with his literary works.
Metchie said, ” Our governor is visionary. He is very meticulous with decision making and as a matter of public policy, he ensures that every decision taken by his administration is in tandem with the wishes and aspirations of the citizenry.
“One of Chinua Achebe’s works ‘ Things Fall Apart ” have been translated into many different local and international languages all over the world. The renaming of Anambra airport after him is a well deserved honour.
“As a native of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state and died at the age of 82, Prof. Achebe as a prophet is not celebrated amongst his people. That’s why I’m extolling the governor’s decision in renaming Anambra airport after the late sage.”
The community leader described Chinua Achebe as a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who gave the African literature an identity and a voice and also reconstructed and refined the identity of the people in his literary works.
Metchie was cognisant of the fact that the late literary icon was not just an Anambra hero nor a Nigerian hero, but an African and global hero yet largely unsung at home.
He said Achebe was not a president or governor or military. That he did not build bridges or roads or airports but will outlive most presidents, governors and ministers, noting that the late literary giant rejected Nigeriaโs national honours twice in protest against what he perceived as injustice to his home state Anambra.
He therefore re-echoed his profound gratitude to Governor Soludo for finding the late literary oracle, Prof. Chinua Achebe worthy of such an honour and announcing same at an auspicious occasion as the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
