Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has renamed the state’s International Airport after the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
The announcement was made on Sunday, October 1, 2023, during the Independence Day celebration at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
The airport, which was formerly known as Anambra International Airport, Umueri, has now been renamed to Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri.
Chinua Achebe, a native of Ogidi in Idemili North LGA of the state, was a renowned novelist, poet, and critic who gave African literature an identity and a voice. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
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The move by the Governor was aimed at immortalizing the late literary icon for his contributions to the history of human civilization.
Soludo described Achebe as an example of Africa’s unsung hero and an African and global hero who was yet largely unsung at home.
He said:
“We must say that you don’t have to hold a political position to contribute to the advancement of our civilisation.
“Henceforth, we shall be deliberate in fishing out and celebrating our largely unsung heroes, as motivation to our children and youths in terms of what matters, including distinguished teachers, medical and other professionals, persons of honesty and integrity, philanthropists with known sources of wealth, entrepreneurs/job creators, community leaders/developers, clergy with great devotion, etc.
“An example of Africa’s unsung hero is the late Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe was not a president, a governor or a minister. He did not build bridges or roads or airports, but he will outlive most Presidents, governors or ministers.
“Achebe gave the African literature an identity and a voice. In a way, he rightly reconstructed and redefined who we are and we will never forget. Indeed, he was not an Anambra hero, nor a Nigerian hero. He was an African and global hero, and yet largely unsung at home.
“Consequently, we will rename the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, to Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri. Yes, it has to be an international airport, and we hope to work with the Federal Government to give full effect to its international status.”
