…as 9th edition of Chinua Achebe Memorial Lecture kicks off
From Ijeoma John Nnewi
The Society of Young Nigeria Writers(Anambra State Chapter) has organized the 2024 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture in honor of late Prof Chinua Achebe( the father of African Literature).
The event which took place at the Anambra State Central E-Library(also known as the Prof Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library) in Awka Anambra State was well attended by top Government officials,writers, intellectuals, literary activists students from different institutions among others.
Speaking at the event,the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism in Anambra State, Don Onyenji said the event was a great avenue to encourage the young ones, tell them the way to go to be better citizens for themselves and the society.
Speaking on the reading culture that has be dwindled, Onyenji blamed the internet and confusion in the society adding that parents preferred making money than instilling the culture in their children.
He said all hands must be on deck to revive this reading culture.Onyenji further urged parents to equip their children well enough to be perfect especially in cooking organic food.
Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna,the first female Professor in Mass Communication who was present at the event pointed out that the horizon of the students was narrowed adding that they read only books prescribed by the school system.
“Every year, there are specific books recommended for every class and the students are tended to read only them just to pass examination.
They are young and need to read beyond the recommended text”she said
Okunna,sadly said the reading culture has dwindled.She urged parents to encourage their children to read beyond recommended books this according to her would help to revive reading culture.
She also frowned on the internet that served as a distraction to children nowadays.
She lauded Izunna Okafor, the Coordinator of Society of Young Nigeria Writers adding that he need to be supported because according to her Achebe remained a big figure.
In his remarks,His Royal Majestic Igwe Sir Dr Beneth Izuchukwu Emeka attributed low reading culture to quick rich syndrome among youths.
He appreciated Anambra State Governor,Prof Charles Soludo for investing in education by giving free education,employing enough teachers and equipping the teachers with adequate resources.
The Coordinator, Izunna Okafor who addressed the press during the event said that Achebe was born on 16th of November 1930 died in 21st March 2013.
He said after three years of his death,which was 2016 ,they used to gather every year to celebrate his posthumous birthday revealing that this year 2024 marked the 9th edition of the Memorial Lecture.
Okafor pointed that Achebe need to be immortalized.He appraised Governor Soludo who renamed Anambra International Airport after him last year.
Using Achebe as an Icon,Okafor advised the parents to catch their children Young.
He revealed that every year, in Achebe Memorial Lecture, they used to honour students who participate in essay competition which they organize strictly on human intelligence.
“The prize attached is to show the participants that it pays to write and read and to encourage them to read more”he said