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By Christian ABURIME
The Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA) has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for making the bold move to rename Anambra International Airport after the celebrated global author, Chinụa Achebe.
Renaming the airport after the Ogidi-born literary giant can’t be seem as a small decision because of it high considerable impact. It sends a message of acceptance, diversity, and appreciation and also serves to inspire and encourage a new generation of writers and thinkers.
This decision was met with enthusiasm from the authors’ association, who commended the governor for the honour done to the author’s contribution to the literary world.
They believe this move will inspire people from different backgrounds to further put their talents to greater use and make the world a better place.
In a letter to the Governor signed by the ANA President, Camillus Ukah and General Secretary, Maik Ortserga, commended the governor’s decision to rename the airport after Chinụa Achebe, stressing that it sends a powerful message of inclusion and diversity.
It reads in part; “By naming the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport after our writer hero, Chinụa Achebe, you have included him in the list of nationalists like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kanu, Akanu Ibiam, Murtala Mohammed, who have been so honoured in the past by the Federal Government.
“This is a cause for celebration, for it adds spice and novelty to the monotony of political honours in Nigeria. Ours is a philistine society which often honours men and women of wealth and power by naming National monuments after them.
“Honouring our icon on such a grand scale is, indeed, a remarkable departure from the status quo”; the Association wrote
“As an Association that was founded by Chinụa Achebe; one of Africa’s greatest gifts to the literary world, we are very proud of your administration which has also sustained the Chinụa Achebe Prize for Literature to international acclaim”.
“It is needless to say that by this latest honour to the champion of social justice, a man who was blessed with a ponderous intellect, delicate personality and goodness of heart, you have consolidated a legacy that will continually speak for your foresight”; the letter further said
ANA commendation is coming amidst other commendations from within and far, commending Governor Soludo for the singular honour of re-naming Anambra Airport to Chinụa Achebe International Airport
