Mark, Archbishop of Canterbury, others eulogise Achebe … as burial holds today

Thousands of people gathered at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, on Wednesday to celebrate the literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, whose final burial will take place at his village, Ikenga Ogidi, on Thursday.

After extolling the virtues and achievements of the author of the famous Things Fall Apart, speakers at the Celebration of Life, a special programme organised by the Anambra State Government, called for his immortalisation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, urged young people to emulate Achebe.

“Pick up the torch which he carried. Study your people with wisdom, insight and depth and come out with the resolution of their problems,” said Rev. Andrew Willer, who represented the head of the Anglican Church worldwide.

The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, whose message was read by the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said Achebe lived an exemplary life, adding that his death was a huge loss to Africa.

Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Boniface Egboka, urged the Federal Government and Anambra State Government to name an educational institution after Achebe.

He said the university had instituted an annual lecture series to immortalise Achebe, declaring that Achebe was indeed the father of African literature.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said Achebe, who graduated from UI in 1952, remained “the foremost father of African literature. He continues to live not only in our minds but in his works.”

In its tribute, the Association of Nigeria Authors, praised Achebe for reviving ANA, saying the association was celebrating “the mortality and immortality of a true legend.”

Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, a contemporary of Achebe, said Achebe, like most literary legends the country had produced, was a product of public education. He, therefore, urged governments to do something to revive public schools.

The VC, Anambra State University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, said Achebe was among those who fought hard to restore the dignity and identity of the African.

Former Managing Director of the World Bank, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili,said, “Achebe was one of the figures that my father told me represented the dignity of the Igbo person.”

The highpoint of the occasion was when Chief Chike Momah, who was Achebe’s secondary school mate and bestman, spoke of the brilliance and elusiveness of Achebe.

Governor Peter Obi said, “Achebe lived his life. He followed the path of good life, and we are left to start our own life based on that path.”

The ceremonies move to Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, his hometown, on Thursday for the final burial rites.

Punch