Igbos will miss Achebe for a long time – Ohanaeze

ENUGU—THE apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said, Wednesday, that the departed literary giant, Professor Chinua Achebe whose remains would be finally laid to rest at his Ogidi countryhome in Anambra State tomorrow, would be missed for a very long time.


The umbrella Igbo organization said Achebe’s departure has left a yawning gap in the horizon of the Igbo nation.
Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, who spoke with Vanguard on the demise of the renowned author, said that the organization viewed Achebe’s exit as “very tragic” and would not be forgotten easily.
He said: “Achebe’s departure is a traumatic blow to Ndigbo and indeed Africans even though 82 is a ripe age, we would have wanted him to live forever.  His demise has left a yawning gap in our horizon.
“We will miss him a lot and for a long long time. He cannot be forgotten too easily because he is the man who put our essence into sharp focus with his magnum work Things Fall Apart.  Therein he reestablished the long damaged self confidence and psyche of the Africans who had been plummeted by colonial powers into seeing themselves as less than human.

“Achebe showed that the African has history, religion, philosophy, government (law and order), art, good music and all fabric of a civilized society. Thereafter no one could see the African from colonial eyes only nor could anyone write about us for us.

“Achebe has started renaissance or rebirth.  Africans could now tell their real story by themselves confidently.  He was a genius and among his peers he was a colossus.

“We are extremely happy and proud that this titan was of Igbo stock. He has done the continent proud and he has lit a light that will beam everywhere. His memory will remain evergreen in our hearts, Ndigbo wish Achebe, the guru, peaceful repose in the bosom of our Lord.”

To the young generation of Ndigbo, Nwaorgu said they should emulate Achebe as role model known for maintaining core Igbo values, justice, equity, courage and enterprise or resourcefulness.


Vanguard