What happened at the Alexander Ekwueme Arcade, Awka, was simply mind blowing. The remains of the famous writer of Things Fall Apart, who died in Boston, United States of America, USA, was flown into Enugu from Abuja and was finally brought to Awka, the Anambra State capital at exactly 1.07pm Wednesday.
The remains of late Achebe was brought in motorcade to the expansive Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, into the waiting hands of his kinsmen, friends, colleagues, business and high profile delegates from governments from across the world.
Governor Peter Obi and the Senator representing Anambra Central in the Senate, Achebe’s senatorial zone, Dr. Chris Ngige received Achebe’s body at Amansea border between Enugu and Anambra states to a waiting crowd comprising civil servants, politicians and journalists. The entourage headed straight to Alex Ekwueme square where prayers and tributes were lavishly poured.
The body lay in state at the middle of the square and was surrounded by Achebe’s kinsmen wearing traditional attire with red caps to match.
On ground to witness the solemn moment of tribute anchored by 5 star actor Bob Manuel Udokwu were Chris Odom, Professor Joneta Cole , Director of Smithsonian Institute , Washington, Prof. Scott of Penguin Books, Professor Whelan of the University of Cambridge, who represented the Arch bishop of Canterbury.
There were also members of the Achebe family comprising his widow, Prof. Mrs. Achebe, and his children, Dr. Ike Achebe, Prof Chinelo Achebe, Dr. Chidi Achebe and Prof Nwando Achebe.
In his glowing tribute to Achebe, the Director of Penguin, Scott described the late writer as a very great man of letters, whose works have had a succession of influence across generations of writers.
He noted particularly the influence of Achebe’s first three books; Things Fall Apart, Arrow of God and No Longer At Ease, which he described as a “ trilogy of African literature, stressing that “ I have not seen others books or writer that have been so studied and reprinted like Achebe and his works.
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"I have not seen other books or writers that have been so studied and reprinted like Achebe and his works". Wole Soyinka, oya talk now! You won the nobel laurette because you are a conformist but Achebe refused to accept the verdict of Africa being the dark continent. He gave African literature a face! What does it take to be the father of African literature? In how many languages have your works been printed? Jealous Yoruba man that will never see anything good in Igbos. The fact remains that anywhere in the world you mention African literature, Achebe is mentioned! This is the sad truth for you and your opinion is too minute to sway Nigerians to your side!
ReplyDeleteThank u my brothe. i have waited for people's comment on that soyinka's comment. All I have to tell him is that he is too old for that type of comment.
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