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Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, made a significant announcement during the Independence Day celebration on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital. He declared the renaming of the state’s International Airport in honor of the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
The airport, henceforth, will bear the name “Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri.”
Governor Soludo emphasized that Chinua Achebe was not merely a hero to Anambra or Nigeria, but to the entire African continent and the world. Despite his global acclaim, Achebe remained largely unrecognized in his homeland.
The governor noted that it was heartening to see that numerous individuals who played vital roles in Nigeria’s independence in 1960 have had various projects named after them. However, these projects primarily honored public office holders. Soludo’s administration, he explained, was taking a different approach by recognizing Achebe, who did not hold a political position, as a symbol of contribution to the advancement of civilization.
“We must acknowledge that one need not hold a political position to contribute to the progress of our society,” he stated.
Soludo also outlined his government’s commitment to identifying and celebrating other unsung heroes, providing motivation to the younger generation. This recognition would extend to distinguished teachers, medical professionals, individuals of integrity, philanthropists with transparent sources of wealth, entrepreneurs, community leaders, devoted clergy, and more.
He paid tribute to Chinua Achebe, highlighting his immense contributions to African literature. Achebe’s work redefined and gave voice to the African identity, making him an enduring figure who would outlive many political leaders.
“Achebe rejected Nigeria’s national honors twice to protest perceived injustice to his home state of Anambra. Today, Anambra will finally honor him,” Governor Soludo declared.
Following careful deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that no one deserved the honor of naming Anambra’s first airport after them more than Chinua Achebe, the state’s greatest literary gift to the world.
Hence, the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, will officially be known as the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri. The decision to grant it international status will be pursued in collaboration with the Federal Government.
Prof. Chinua Achebe, originally from Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, passed away on March 21, 2013, at the age of 82, in Boston, Massachusetts.
