More Tributes For Achebe, As Son Thanks Jonathan, Obi, Others

[TGD]

AS literary giant, Prof Chinua Achebe joined his ancestors on Thursday, his son, Dr Ike Achebe has expressed profound gratitude to all that contributed in one way or the order to make the burial a success.

Dr. Ike Achebe was particularly grateful to President Goodluck Jonathan, President John Mahama of Ghana, Governor Peter Obi, the NASS members, among others, who supported the burial.

"President Goodluck Jonathan was the first to send his condolence after the death of my father. I also thank him for being physically present," he said.

Achebe thanked many people but was particular about Gov Obi, who, he noted, took the burial personal.

He recalled his visit to the family in Boston soon after his father died and the so many late night meetings with him for the success of the burial.

As Nigerian and foreign dignities continue to pour encomiums, Rev. Canon Andrew Wheeler who represented the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev. Canon Andrew Wheeler noted, "Prof. Achebe was a man of International recognition not to Africa but throughout the world.

"He is a man of International understanding, who many British citizens know something of his significance. I am here to express my respect and feelings of others in the United Kingdom."

In his message, the secretary general, Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Accra, Ghana, Prof. Atukwei Okai said, "from the time I assumed that position, we have enjoyed a lot of inspiration and support from Achebe. He may be gone physically, but his idea will always live with us and guide us along the path that Achebe wished.

"Achebe was a colossus, he deserves to have been awarded the Noble Price for Literature. It is never too late to award him post posthumously."

In his tribute, the Publisher, Penguin Press, the printers of Achebe's works, Scott Moyers said, "he was a man of powerful words, a beautiful human being. I was moved by his profound statement about the responsibilities of his community, moral justice, the story of how he became a writer; they stand as very important testimony to the society."

The Guardian

[Folami David]

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
His death is so painful to so many Nigerians. We would miss him