Achebe ‘resurrected’ at UNN

The Queen Alexandra Auditorium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was filled to capacity with expectant scholars drawn from all walks of life, who listened to and watched with keen interest the ‘resurrection’ of the late novelist, Prof. Chinua Achebe. This was during the discussions on the Biennial Memorial Lecture organised by the Faculty of […]

The Queen Alexandra Auditorium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was filled to capacity with expectant scholars drawn from all walks of life, who listened to and watched with keen interest the ‘resurrection’ of the late novelist, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
This was during the discussions on the Biennial Memorial Lecture organised by the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which focused on the lives, times and impacts of a literary legend, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who, though dead, was presumed to be alive because of the relevance of his literary works in the contemporary Nigerian society, and indeed, Africa.
Leading the discussions on the theme; ‘In the Service of the Arts: in the Service of Culture and Nation’, was the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, who spoke on Achebe’s view on leadership. He said the problem with Nigeria was corrupt leadership and corrupt followership. “I agree that Nigeria is a corrupt country, but we are all involved,” Obi said.
The ex-governor regretted that Nigerians will rather celebrate politicians who looted the nation’s treasury, than honour patriotic and morally upright citizens like Achebe. “We live in a society that celebrates criminality instead of celebrating people like Achebe, this is unfortunate,” he said.
He also lampooned the Nigerian universities for conferring honorary degrees on political office holders who did not deserve such awards,” he said.
Obi recalled that Achebe’s insistence on quality leadership in the country made him reject national honours by the Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan administrations.
A retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Chukwuma Eneh, who was a special guest at the occasion, noted that Nigeria needs a charismatic leader who is sound in learning and character to engender the kind of leadership envisioned by Chinua Achebe.
In his contribution, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, said the university was proud to celebrate Chinua Achebe, because the mention of Achebe “resonates with the sense of African dignity.”
Ozumba, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Charles Igwe, noted that the theme of the lecture highlighted Achebe’s belief in using arts to sustain cultural values and social justice of the African man.
The Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Prof. Patrick Okpoko, in his welcome address, noted that the Faculty would continue to honour Achebe because of his giant strides in the literary world. “To literary scholars, Achebe is a literary giant whose works transcend the African milieu, therefore making him a global icon,” he said.
Senator Chukwuka Utazi, who chaired the event, also described Achebe as a “repository of high principles and sobering voice for rectitude in public service,” stating that Achebe’s comments on national issues carried weight and caused positive changes. “Reading Achebe’s work is soothing. His language is one that has a serenity and refreshing simplicity, yet appeals to every generation in its profundity.”
The climax of the event was the award of excellence for Entrepreneurship and Building Technology to the CEO, Romax Properties Limited, Chief Ugochukwu Romanus Orji. Also honoured was the CEO, Ekulu Group of Companies, Chief Emmanuel C. Okonkwo OFR.