By Jude Michael
The Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has extolled Governor Chukwuma Soludo for renaming Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport after the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe.
Chief Okeke-Ogene said the gesture was an honour to Ndigbo, Africa and the entire black race.
In a press statement in Awka, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Vice President called on other Southeast governors to build monuments to immortalize the late literary icon who spent his entire life projecting Igbo social cultural identity across the globe.
He noted that through his creative works, the late Professor Achebe sustained the fight and outcry against marginalization, injustice and suppression of Ndigbo, Africa and the black race in general, as well as made huge sacrifices to give Ndigbo strong voice and recognition.
Chief Okeke-Ogene, recalled that in his humility, Professor Achebe died in active service as the President General of Ogidi Town Union, noting that his literary achievements celebrated the Igbo rich cultural heritage and tradition that, he said, would continue to inspire present and future generations, as well as help to preserve Igbo cultural identity.
He noted that the honour would equally remain a source of inspiration to young writers, who, he said, would now be encouraged to explore opportunities in the creative world to attain their full potential, knowing full well that history and posterity would remember, recognize and honour them in future.
Chief Okeke-Ogene expressed satisfaction that Governor Soludo had sustained efforts towards human capital development and projects that impacted directly on the lives of the people.
He noted that his free education scheme would provide every child easy access to quality education to build a strong and quality human infrastructure as was obtained during the early years of Professor Achebe to motivate upcoming generations to aspire to emulate him.
