The fourth edition of Chinua Achebe Literary Festival organized by the Society of Young Writers Anambra State Chapter at Kenneth Dike Central e-Library, Awka, attracted writers of different genre providing the opportunity for mentoring and nurturing for the next generation.
The literary festival is an annual literary event in honour of Nigeria’s Literary Legend and father of the African Literature, the Late Professor Chinua Achebe who was born on November 16 but died in March 2013.
This year’s theme: “Intellectuals and National Development: The Chinua Achebe Approach” celebrates his immense contributions to the literary field as has been the practice consistently for the past four years.
Governor Willie Obiano in his speech, reminded the State young writers that they are great children of the pioneer writers in all aspects of life and urged them to look around the state in search of role models noting that Anambra is blessed with lots of intellectual personalities who have distinguished themselves world over.
The Governor represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. James Eze, charged the young writers to devote their time to develop their talents and assured them of more efforts by the state government in enhancing the already enabling environment for literary creativity.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman on the Occasion, Mr. Odili Ujubuonwu, attested that Chinua Achebe gave Africa commendable identity and helped in telling the world who Africans really are and urged them not to be ashamed of embracing their cultural heritage.
Delivering a keynote address on, “ the Intellectuals and National Development: The Chinua Achebe Approach” Mr. Chiedu Ofodile was of the opinion that students should strive for excellence both in learning and character to emulate the great Achebe and called for recommendations and support for individuals in the literary world to encourage them.
Earlier in a welcome address, the state Coordinator, Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Comrade Izunna Okafor, said that the commemoration and celebration are not only to remind the concerned authorities the need to immortalize Achebe but also a way to promote, encourage and reward creative writing and reading culture among the youths and students as well as harness the hidden talents among young people.
Presentation of awards to deserving organizations and individuals who over the years have remained strong partners to the association including the Anambra Broadcasting Service received by An on Air Personality in the Station, Comrade Eze Onwuji, Kenneth Dike Central E-Library, Anambra Printing Corporation, Publishers of National Light Newspapers, among others.
The organizations appreciated the association for the award of encouragement and promised to continue doing more to promote the state educational sector.
Formal unveiling of the book “Arrow of Words” an anthology of poems that celebrates Achebe was the highpoint of the event.
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