The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Anambra State chapter has marked the 2025 Chinua Achebe literary festival and memorial lecture. This 10th edition of the fiesta had the theme: ‘Revisiting The Trouble With Nigeria: The Achebean Perspective’.
The event which took place at Anambra State Central E-Library Awka attracted many digniteries and students.
The coordinator of the Anambra State chapter of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Mr. Izunna Okafor in his address, highlighted that apart from remembering and honouring Chinua Achebe and his world-acclaimed literary works, the event also serves as a platform to promote creative writing and reading culture among young people, discover emerging talents and highlight the power of literature as a mirror and healer of society.
Okafor appealed to the state government and individuals to take up the sponsorship of the noble event to ensure that the legacies of Chinua Achebe are kept alive. He urged the Anambra State Government to establish a writers residency and support the group with a vehicle for mobility.
The keynote speaker, Prof Ngozi-Chuma Udeh, Anambra State Commissioner for Education, who was represented by Dr Brian Udeh, emphasized that Chinua Achebe with his writings shaped perspectives on pre-colonial Africa centered on Ndigbo, depicting a people well organized, with a functional system before the coming of the colonists, thus giving Africa it’s pride of place in the world, as his memory lives on.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, as well as the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor in their differenct speeches stressed on the importance of education and encouraged the students to take their studies seriously in order to make meaningful impacts like Chinua Achebe.
They also extolled Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his achievements in the field of education.
Former Presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi, represented by Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna; and the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji; the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr Charles Aburime, represented by Rev. Ejike Abana, and former Director, Anambra State Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze praised Chinua Achebe’s legacies and implored the students to follow in his footsteps by being attentive to learning.
Other dignetries also commended Achebe’s legacy and urged students to emulate his values.
The event also featured an essay competition, poetry presentation, and the unveiling of the 10th Chinua Achebe Poetry and Essay Anthology, among other things.
