EULOGIES AS ACHEBE GOES HOME

It was a carnival of some sort during the final home journey of erudite Professor   Chinua Achebe at Ogidi, Anambra state. The body of the renowned Prof was laid to rest on Thursday May 23, 2013. The town and the entire state stood still for this illustrious son of Africa who greatly projected African values and culture for the world. He was without doubt the father of African literature because his focus was on the emancipation of the continent from both colonial rule and from bad leadership that will came after.

Praises came from all over the world when he died in March 12, 2013 at the age of 82 years. He was eulogized by many for his ability to use creative writings as a tool for the betterment of his society. He was nt loud but powerful with words. Achebe’s words spoke for him and millions who were deprived but couldn’t speak. His writing is in very part of the world today. This is an grand achievement for someone from this clime. At last count “Things fall apart” written by him had been translated into about 50 foreign languages apart from English. African Writer Series of those days that I love to read was given flavour and quality by books by Prof Chinua Achebe. He loved his people with passion, A TRUE SON OF THE SOIL.

Dignitaries all over the world were at Ogidi. The presidency was there with members of National Assembly. As it was common in Nigeria, pledges and promises were made especially for the St Philip’s Central School where the iconic Prof had his primary education. We hope all those promises will be kept. Federal government was urged to establish educational institutions in his honour.T here were many tributes among them the one that says after Madiba, the next person is Achebe. Good one.

Prof Chinua Achebe did affect our lives in many ways. He chose to reject national honours he deserved on merit on two occasions not out of disdain but in silent protest to bad leadership. Even though am one of those who felt the Prof should have written the presidency on those occasions to explain his rejection of the awards, but I believe he had his reasons. I am still impressed that an African could write with so much fluidity like the Prof wrote his novels. His words were good and yet simple. It was difficult reading his books and wants to stop till another day. You would stay glued to any of his books till you finish. The professor told us many stories and some came to past t. Our earnest prayers are that we would not call to the point of “there was a country.”

Let our politicians read between the lines. We have a great country and we have the potential to be among the best in the world but for institutionalized corruption and greedy politicians, we are nowhere. What drive many great nations are patriots and citizens of passions for the state. So many things are meant to teach us the good way even books of literature.

THINGS FALL APART and NO LONG AT EASE because of ARROW OF GOD in the ANTHILL OF SAVANNAH and THE PROBLEM WITH NIGERIA to be solved quickly so that we all  won’t say THERE WAS A COUNTRY.

Adieu our beloved Achebe. The world needs colossus like you.