Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Saturday unveiled a statue of renowned Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe in his hometown of Ogidi, southeastern Nigeria, using the occasion to urge young people to reject cultism and the pursuit of illicit wealth in favour of education, integrity and service to society.
Speaking at the ceremony in Idemili North Local Government Area, Soludo said the monument honours not only the author of Things Fall Apart but also the enduring values he represented. He described the statue as a symbol of moral leadership and a guide for future generations.
“Though Chinua Achebe is no longer with us, his ideals continue to shape society,” Soludo said. “This statue is a declaration that his legacy will endure and that young people should look up to him as a role model.”
The governor expressed concern over the growing influence of cult-related activities and the glorification of material wealth among some Nigerian youths, particularly in Achebe’s home region. He said such trends contradict the principles championed by the celebrated writer throughout his life.
“Anyone involved in cultism or the display of obscene wealth is departing from the path Achebe taught us,” Soludo said, urging young people to pursue scholarship, good character and contributions to the wider community.
Achebe, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, transformed global perceptions of Africa through his writings. His 1958 novel Things Fall Apart remains one of the most widely read and translated works of African literature, studied in schools and universities across the world.
Soludo said the statue would serve as a permanent reminder of Achebe’s contributions to literature, culture and humanity. He added that the unveiling forms part of broader efforts by the Anambra State government to preserve the writer’s legacy, following the 2023 renaming of the state’s international airport in Achebe’s honour.
Representing the family, Professor Ike Achebe thanked the government for commemorating the literary icon and ensuring that his contributions remain visible to future generations.
The event drew scholars, traditional rulers, government officials and literary enthusiasts, including Idemili North Mayor Stanley Nkwoka and Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council Chairman Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who both called for greater efforts to promote Achebe’s intellectual legacy among Nigerian youths.
More than a decade after his death in 2013, Achebe remains one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures, with his works continuing to shape international conversations about African history, identity and post-colonial experience.
