The airport serving the state of Anambra will soon be known as the Chinua Achebe International Airport, as stated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Soludo made the announcement at the state capital of Awka’s Independence Day celebration on Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square.
According to Soludo, it is encouraging that many people who helped secure Nigeria’s independence in 1960 have had various projects named after them.
He did, however, point out that nearly all of the projects were named after public office holders, and he promised that his administration would make an exception in honoring Achebe by designating the Anambra Airport in his honor.
We need to send a message that participation in politics isn’t a prerequisite to making a positive impact on society.
“From now on, we will make an effort to identify and honor those among us who have gone largely unrecognized for their contributions to society at large, serving as role models for our young people in areas such as honesty, integrity, selflessness, innovation, job creation, community building, and religious zeal.
“The late Professor Albert Chinualumogu Achebe is an example of Africa’s unsung hero.
No, Achebe was not a head of state or a governor or a minister. Bridges, roads, and airports were not constructed by him. However, he will outlive the vast majority of governors, ministers, and presidents.
Achebe gave African writing a face and a voice, he says. We will never forget the way he accurately reassembled and redefined who we are. Indeed, he was neither a local nor national hero in Anambra or Nigeria. Though widely celebrated abroad, he received little recognition in his native Africa.
As a result, we’re changing the name of Umueri’s Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport to the Chinua Achebe International Airport. The airport “absolutely must serve international flights,” as Soludo put out, and the two governments should collaborate to make that happen.
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