By Praise Chinecherem
The Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene has extolled Governor Chukwuma Soludo for renaming Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport after the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe.
He described the gesture as an honour to Ndigbo, Africa and entire black race.
In a press statement in Awka, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Vice President called on other Southeast Governors to build monuments to immortalize the late literary icon who spent his entire life projecting Igbo social cultural identity across the globe.
He noted that the honour would remain a source of inspiration to young writers to explore opportunities in the creative world to attain their full potential.
He expressed satisfaction over Soludo’s sustained efforts towards human capital development and projects with direct impact on lives of the people.
He recalled that Achebe, in his humility, died in active service as the President General of Ogidi Town Union.
The statement partly reads, “Through his creative works, late Professor Achebe sustained fight and outcry against marginalisation, injustice and suppression of Ndigbo, Africa and the black race in general as well as made huge sacrifices to give Ndigbo strong voice and recognition.
“His literary achievements celebrate Igbo rich cultural heritage and tradition that will continue to inspire present and future generations as well as help preserve Igbo cultural identity.
“The honour will equally remain a source of inspiration to young writers who will now be encouraged to explore opportunities in the creative world to attain their full potential knowing fully well that that history and posterity will remember, recognise and honour them in future.
“Governor Soludo has sustained efforts towards human capital development and projects that impact directly on the lives of the people.
“His free education scheme will provide every child easy access to quality education to build strong and quality human infrastructure as was obtained during the early years of Professor Achebe to motivate upcoming generations to aspire to emulate him.”
