Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, unveiled a statue in honour of the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, in his hometown of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, exactly 13 years after the renowned novelist's death. The monument, located at the Ugwu Nwasike Roundabout, drew a large gathering of government officials, traditional rulers, academics, literary enthusiasts, and admirers from across the country. The event marked a significant step in the Soludo administration's efforts to cement Achebe's legacy within the state's cultural fabric, following the 2023 renaming of the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport in honour of the writer.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Soludo described Achebe as a "global symbol of excellence" and an "enduring symbol of excellence, authenticity, courage and timeless values". He emphasised that the statue is far more than a physical structure, framing it as a lasting reminder of the ideals Achebe lived and championed. "This statue is not merely a monument. It is a powerful symbol of excellence, authenticity, courage and the timeless values that Professor Chinua Achebe stood for. It is a message to this generation and those yet unborn that greatness is achieved through character, vision and service," Soludo said. He added that Achebe's works continue to shape global conversations on African identity, culture, leadership, justice, and the human condition.
The governor did not mince words regarding the current state of Idemili North, historically the home of the literary giant. He lamented the rise of cult-related elements in the area, stating, "Idemili North LGA is something for which if Chinua Achebe were alive, he would be crying. Anybody in a cult is, in a way, insulting the memory of Chinua Achebe. Those who brandish obscene wealth—Chinua Achebe told us it is not the way to go". He challenged the youth of Ogidi to ask questions about the icon whenever they pass the road, urging them to reject the scourge of cultism and obscene materialism and instead imbibe the intellectual and moral integrity championed by Achebe. "Remember the message behind this statue: he lived and told us the right way to live," Soludo said, adding that "by this statue we are unveiling today, Nigerian youths will derive inspiration and be determined to live by those values".
Soludo also shared a personal reflection on Achebe's influence, revealing that he had drawn inspiration from the novelist's 1982 lecture, which motivated him to join politics and later name his second son 'Chinua'. "He is a man I can proudly call a role model," the governor said. He described Achebe as "Ogidi's gift to the world and Anambra State's enduring pride," and declared him the "Greatest Of All Times". Representing the Achebe family, his son, Professor Ike Achebe, expressed deep appreciation for the state's continued dedication to his father's memory, thanking the governor for naming the airport after his father and erecting the statue to honour his legacy.
The event also featured tributes from the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, and the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers' Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, both of whom stressed the urgency of preserving Achebe's intellectual trajectory for the next generation. Nkwoka described both Achebe and Soludo as personalities whose achievements have brought global recognition to Anambra. The state government said the monument is expected to strengthen efforts to preserve Achebe's legacy while promoting the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Ogidi.
Achebe, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, was born on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi. He gained international recognition with his novel, "Things Fall Apart," published in 1958, which has been translated into dozens of languages and remains one of the most widely read works of African literature. He died on March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 82 after a brief illness, and was buried in his hometown on May 23, 2013. The unveiling of the statue, accompanied by prayers and goodwill messages, marked another significant milestone in preserving the legacy of one of Africa's most celebrated writers and reaffirmed Anambra State's commitment to honouring individuals whose accomplishments have elevated the state's global reputation.
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