2021 ACHEBE LECTURE HOLDS TODAY IN
AWKA
It promises to be another literary reunion for authors and literary enthusiasts
from Nigeria and other countries of the world, as young writers in Anambra
State, under the umbrella of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State
Chapter), set to host the 2021 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial
Lecture.
The
Coordinator of the group, Izunna Okafor, disclosed this in Awka, the Anambra
State capital, while giving update on the association's preparedness for the
next-week-Tuesday event.
According
to him, Chinua Achebe Literary Festival, which is in its sixth edition now, is
an annual literary event held in honour of Nigerian literary icon, Late Prof.
Chinua Achebe, in celebration of his life, numerous accomplishments and
outstanding legacies in the literary field and beyond. He further said the
event, which started in 2016, will (as usual) hold on Achebe's date of birth,
November 16, 2021, starting at 11.am, at the usual venue —Anambra State Central
E-Library, Awka, with many dignitaries in attendance.
He
revealed that this year's Chinua Achebe Memorial Lecture will be delivered by
the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Newspapers and
Printing Corporation (ANPC), Sir Chuka Nnabuife, who is also a veteran
journalist, accomplished author, and 2015 winner of Gulder Ultimate Chase;
while former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Prof. Peter Umeadi, will chair the
occasion.
In
his word, "The event will feature the Achebe Lecture, drama, spoken word
poetry, announcement of the winners of the 2021 Chinua Achebe Essay Writing
Competition (endowed and sponsored by the Anambra Newspapers and Printing
Corporation, for secondary schools), announcement and recognition of
outstanding entrants for the 2021 Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology, special
reading, award/certificate presentation, among other literary packages slated
for the day."
He
also added that the annual event will also feature the cutting of Achebe's 91st
posthumous birthday cake, as well as the official unveiling and presentation of
the Sixth Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology, entitled 'There Was a Man',
which is the association's newest anthology of poems and essays published in
honour of Achebe. The annual international anthology, Okafor explained, is the
writers' one way of immortalizing Achebe, and contains poems, essays, and
reviews written and submitted by writers from different countries of the world,
in response to a 'Call for Submission' earlier made by the association.
Izunna
Okafor, who is also 2015 Winner of the Nigerian Writers Award and brain behind
the initiative, further disclosed that the 2021 Literary Festival, themed
“REMEMBERING ACHEBE... IN A TIME LIKE THIS” is expected to be graced by top
government functionaries and literary enthusiasts, including the Executive
Governor of Anambra state, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, who is expected to declare
the event open; the state's Commissioner for Information and Public
Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba; the state's Commissioner for Culture and
Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Anierobi; the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Sir
Willie Nwokoye; as well as the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, H.R.H. Igwe Chidubem
Iweka, who will also be the Royal Father of the Day.
While
revealing that the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors,
Mr. Camilus Ukah, will also attend the event; Okafor further highlighted some
of the other literary figures and literary enthusiasts expected at the event,
to include: veteran Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu; James Eze (author of
'Dispossessed' and 2020 Winner of the ANA Poetry Prize); Okeke Chika Jerry
(author of 'The gods Are Hungry' and 2021 Anambra governorship candidate); Uzor
Maxim Uzoatu (author of 'God of Poetry'); Rev. Fr. Ositadimma Amakeze (author
of 'The Last Carver'); Isidore Emeka Uzoatu (author of 'Vision Impossible');
and Dr. Paul Ifeanyi (author of 'The Pregnant Virgin')
Continuing,
he added that the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria,
Prof. Stella Okunna; the Head of Department, English Language and Literature,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Jane Ifechelobi; public affairs analyst, Sir
John Ifejika; and international actor/award-winning author, R.C. Ofodile, are
also expected, among other dignitaries, young and established writers from
within and outside the country, storming Awka, to honour the legend, Achebe.
Asked
whether this year's preparation for the event was in any way affected by the
recurrent sit-at-home orders in the east and the recent governorship election in
the state; Okafor, who responded in affirmation, said their planning was
seriously affected and slowed down by the duo, to the extent that they had to
pause at a point and wait for the election to come and go, before proceeding
with their planning.
He
said, "Unlike in 2017 when the governorship election held even very close
to the event day (two days after our event), this year's own was very serious,
because the environment well charged, coupled with the recurrent sit-at-home,
which instilled fear in the people, kept many away from office and even
crippled movement and other activities in the state.
"It
happened to the extent that we had to stop at a point and wait for the election
to come and go before proceeding with our planning; and you know what that
means, because we have just few days left after the election and the
supplementary election. But we thank God that we have come a very long way in
our preparation, despite the challenges."
"And,
judging from what I am seeing," he continued, "I am very optimistic
that this year's edition of event will be very much greater than the previous
editions. You can see the caliber of people on our guest list. Postponing or
suspending the event is not an option, because, for the past six years, we have
always hosted it on Achebe's birthday. So, why not this year? Achebe himself
wouldn't have done otherwise if he were alive, and you know that. In fact, he
is already waiting for us on 16th, and we are very ready for him."
"Achebe
must be celebrated, and deserves to be celebrated even on daily basis,"
Okafor added.
Born
16th November, 1930, Chinualumogu Albert Achebe (popularly known as Chinua
Achebe) was a foremost Nigerian literary legend and critic, who died on 21st
March, 2013 at the age of 82.
