In line with keeping the memories of Chinua Achebe alive, especially the themes of his literary works, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, has marked this year’s Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture with the theme: “Revisiting The Trouble With Nigeria: The Achebean Perspective.”

According to the Coordinator of the Anambra State Chapter of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers and organizer of the event, Mr. Izunna Okafor, aside from remembering and honoring Chinua Achebe and his world-acclaimed literary works and themes, the event also serves as a platform to encourage young writers and mirror the society in relation to Achebe’s work.

Mr. Okafor, while seeking sponsorship and partnerships to ensure that the legacies of Chinua Achebe are kept alive, urged the Anambra State Government to establish a Writers’ Residency and support the group with a vehicle for mobility.

The Commissioner for Education and keynote speaker, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, represented by Dr. Brian Udeh, emphasized that Chinua Achebe, through his writings, shaped perspectives on pre-colonial Africa centered on Ndigbo, depicting a people well organized with a functional system before the coming of the colonists and giving Africa its pride of place in the world, as his memories live on.

The Chairman on the occasion, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, and the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, in their remarks, encouraged students to take their studies seriously in order to make meaningful impact, just like Chinua Achebe, and to be prepared for leadership roles by bringing values to bear despite the challenges they face, while appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his achievements in education.

The Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji, former Presidential Aspirant Mr. Peter Obi represented by Professor Chinyere Okunna, and the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Chris Aburime represented by Reverend Ejike Abana, among others, extolled the legacies of Chinua Achebe, and urged the students to follow in his footsteps by being attentive to learning and intentional about growth.

An essay competition, word-poetry presentation, and the unveiling of the 10th Achebe Poetry and Essay Anthology featured at the event.