Late Chinua Achebe left indelible marks in development of African history, literature – SGF

By Hilary Akalugwu
Nsukka (Enugu State) March 9, 2021

Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) says the late literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe, left indelible marks in the development of African history and literature.

Mustapha said this in Nsukka on Tuesday in a message to the 4th Chinua Achebe International Conference.

The event was organised by the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka, in collaboration with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, CBAAC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the title of the conference is; “Revaluation of African values and culture in the face of the crises of the 21st century”.

Mustapha said Achebe devoted his life and time to issues bothering on the development of African society, in the face of daunting challenges occasioned by colonialism.

“I am pleased to be part of this noble gathering, to celebrate a man who left indelible marks in the development of African history and literature,”.

The SGF, who was represented by Dr Ben Nwoye, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, had initiated numerous projects and programmes for the betterment of the country.

He listed some of these programmes to include; youth empowerment through the N-power programme, revitalisation of the agricultural and energy sectors, improvement on social infrastructures, and fighting of corruption among others.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support Buhari to enable his administration achieve its dream of taking the country to the next level,” he said.

In his remarks, Prof Charles Igwe, Vice-chancellor of UNN, said Achebe would continue to be remembered because of his literary contributions to the development of literature in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Igwe urged professors in universities to emulate the good legacies of Achebe to achieve something they would be remembered for.

The VC said that Achebe was being celebrated because he devoted his life to impact positively on humanity.

He urged professors to emulate the legacies of Achebe so that generations yet unborn would also celebrate them for their outstanding contributions to the world.

The VC commended the Director of the institute, Prof Florence Orabueze for the annual international conference in honour of Achebe and urged her to keep up the good work.

Chief Nnia Nwodo, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, in a remark at the occasion described Achebe as the “most reliable source of African original culture and tradition”.

He said, “Achebe in his literary works characterised our traditional system of worship, agricultural way of life, marriage, culture and values.

“Many of these traditions have been adulterated over time due to the growth of conflicting civilisations and global interactions among Africans, “he said.

Nwodo said African native culture and tradition abhorred theft, irresponsibility and licentiousness.

“Nobility was an honoured heritage and virtue, wealth was not an attribute unless it was derived from verifiable sources and hard work.

“Hard work is respected as leadership of the people are recruited from people with good attributes,” he said.

In her address of welcome, Orabueze said that the conference was an annual event which brought world-class scholars to the university to discuss the matter and manner of African values and culture, in all its ramifications.

She said that UNN would continue to honour Achebe because of the pride he brought to the university, Nigeria and entire Africa continent.

NAN reports that the highlight of the occasion was conferment of honorary chieftaincy title of ,”Ikeoha of Nsukka” on Sen Ibrahim Shekarau, former Kano State Governor and Senator, representing Kano Central in the Senate.

The title was conferred on him by Igwe George Asadu, the traditional ruler of Nsukka community, Enugu State, for his good relationship with Nsukka people.