The Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State, in collaboration with the Anambra State Library Board has held the 2021 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture.
The event held at the Professor Kenneth Dike Central E- Library Awka, attracted Nollywood actors, writers, schools children, young writers, among others.
Staff reporter, Njideka Okoye covered the event and reports that while declaring the event open, the former Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, who was the Chairman of the occasion stated that foundation matters in every venture, and urged the young writers and students to emulate the late Professor Chinua Achebe and lay good foundation for their future.
The keynote speaker at the event and Managing Director, Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, who spoke on “Remembering the Acts of Professor Chinua Achebe in A Time Like This” x-rayed Achebe’s achievements, contributions and exposure in the literary world.
Sir Chuka said the late Achebe was among the world greatest writers, who embraced honesty and truth, and wrote to the understanding of his readers, describing him as an artist, a crusader, scholar and a colossus.
In their separate remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Creative Media and Entertainment, Honourable Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the Traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, and the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and Director UNIZIK FM Awka, Professor Stella Okunna said the problem with Nigeria was what Professor Achebe wrote years back, advising students to remain focused and embrace handwork in order to achieve excellence.
The Coordinator, Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State, Mr. Izunna Okafor and the Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze, who noted that the aim of the event was to immortalize Professor Achebe, encourage young writers and harness young talents in literary work, solicited assistance from Government and stakeholders to ensure that the great writer, Professor Chinua Achebe is immortalized.
Theme of this year’s celebration was “Remembering Achebe…..in a time like this”.
The event featured presentations, displays by students, unveiling of Chinua Achebe Poetry cum Essay Anthology “There Was A Man”, presentation of Chinua Achebe Excellence award and prizes to schools for excellent performance.