Soludo unveils Achebe’s monument, urges youth to imbibe legacy

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has unveiled a monumental statue dedicated to the late literary icon Professor Chinua Achebe, challenging the youth to reject cultism and materialism and instead embrace the intellectual and moral integrity that defined Achebe's life and work.

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Today, we go back to the root; that Chinua Achebe, though dead, he lives. His ideals will continue to shape the society. This statue is a declaration. For me, it is very fitting that we immortalise and celebrate him, and for the young, to put him forward as a role model.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the Nwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, Soludo framed the tribute as a roadmap for the future, emphasizing that Achebe's ideals continue to shape society. "Today, we go back to the root; that Chinua Achebe, though dead, he lives. His ideals will continue to shape the society," Soludo stated. He proudly noted that his second son is named Chinua, underscoring his personal admiration for the author.

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He is a man I can proudly call a role model, so much so that even my second son was named ‘Chinua'.

The governor expressed deep concern over the current state of Idemili North Local Government Area, Achebe's ancestral home, lamenting the prevalence of cult-related activities and "obscene wealth." He declared, "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."

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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.

Soludo emphasized that the monument serves as a permanent public conscience, reminding Nigerians of Achebe's message about the "right way to live." He called Achebe the "Greatest Of All Times (G.O.A.T)" and mentioned that the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport was renamed in his honor. The ceremony, attended by scholars, traditional rulers, and government officials, reinforces the Soludo administration's commitment to preserving Achebe's legacy. Achebe's son, Professor Ike Achebe, expressed gratitude for the state's dedication to his father's memory.

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Remember the message behind this statue: he lived and told us the right way to live.