Thirteen years after his death, the legacy of Nigeria’s legendary novelist, Chinua Achebe, continues to be celebrated as Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, unveiled a statue in his honour.
The monument, located at Ugwunwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, was unveiled on Saturday in recognition of Achebe’s lasting contributions to literature and culture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Soludo described the late author as a global icon of excellence whose influence continues to inspire generations across the world. He said the state government remains committed to preserving Achebe’s legacy while encouraging the rise of more literary talents in Anambra.
“Achebe represents excellence and remains one of the world’s greatest literary figures. We will continue to support initiatives that inspire the emergence of more Achebes in Idemili North and Anambra State,” Soludo said.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and literary enthusiasts. The Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, hailed both Achebe and Soludo for bringing pride and global recognition to Anambra State.
Widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, Achebe gained worldwide acclaim with his 1958 masterpiece, Things Fall Apart, which has been translated into dozens of languages and remains one of the most widely read African novels.
The statue is expected to preserve the literary icon’s memory while promoting cultural heritage and literary tourism in Ogidi, his hometown.
Achebe died on March 21, 2013, at the age of 82 in Boston, Massachusetts, after a brief illness. He was buried on May 23, 2013, in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Gov. Soludo unveils a statue of the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, at the Ugwu Nwasike roundabout in Ogidi, Anambra State on July 18, 2026.
A very good one… pic.twitter.com/ZME0mDCMJA
— Onwa_Nnewi (@Kene_Nnewi) July 18, 2026
