Young Nigerian Writers Bestow Chinua Achebe Awards on Governor Soludo

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Chapter of Society of Young Nigerian Writers has conferred Chinua Achebe Award of Excellence to Governor Chukwuma Soludo in recognition of his immortalization of the father of African Literature, Prof Chinua Achebe.

Soludo received the award at the 2024 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture organized by the society which held at the Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library, Awka, themed, “Remembering Achebe in a time like this.”

The Governor had renamed Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport, Umueri after Achebe on October 1, 2023 during the Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration in recognition of his contributions to the development of society and putting Anambra State on the global map.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi said Soludo acknowledged Achebe’s contributions to the state which informed his decision to immortalized him.

He advised the students to follow the footsteps of literary icon as a role model, noting that that they were better positioned to excel beyond Achebe.

He restated his commitment to improving the quality of education, including employment of over 8000 teachers and free education policy to reduce the financial burden on parents.

Earlier, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi commended state government for immortalizing Achebe by renaming the airport after him, but said the late literary icon needed more recognition.

Obi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Paul University, Prof. Chinyere Okunna said, “Prof Chinua Achebe is not yet celebrated. Yes, we thank the government for naming the airport after him, but that’s just one way of immortalizing him.

“I think there is need for government to support more on the literary aspect. Izunna is working hard, but I think he needs higher level of support. Achebe is such a big figure that needs additional support,” he said.

While lamenting on the dwindling reading culture among students, Obi challenged them to avoid distractions and vices, just as he canvassed for encouragement by stakeholders.

“Today’s children are narrowly minded. They read only books prescribed by the system to pass exams and nothing more. I don’t think they are getting the desired encouragement they need by parents, teachers and other stakeholders.

“They need to be encouraged to read beyond the recommended. Generally, the reading culture has dwindled. The internet isn’t also helping matters. Many are in the internet surfing for contents that are not unedifying nor their priority.

“Besides, the scope of their reading should be expanded. It’s expected that before attending this kind of function, all the students should have read at least one Novel by Achebe. And if you must read any of his books, what comes to your mind is Things Fall Apart,” he stated.

Chairman on the occasion and Managing Director of Civic and Social Reformation Office, Anambra State, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, stressed that grooming young ones to become better citizens of the state and the country at large must be a collective responsibility.

Earlier while presenting the award to the Governor, State Coordinator of the society and convener of the event, Izunna Okafor thanked the Governor for heeding to their appeal to immortalize Achebe after over seven years of his demise.

Commissioner for Culture, Tourism, and Entertainment, Mr. Don Onyenji and his Youth Development counterpart, Mr Patrick Agha Mba represented by a staff in his ministry, Engineer Emeka Tony, commended Soludo for his government’s policies targeted at engaging the youths productively.

The event which attracted academics, politicians and students featured unveiling of the ninth edition of the Chinua Achebe Poetry and Essay Anthology and essay competition by different schools in Anambra State.