Events

Soludo Unveils Achebe Statue to Honour Literary Legacy

Published

1 month ago

July 21, 2026

Soludo unveils Achebe statue in Ogidi as Anambra honours the literary icon and supports efforts to inspire future generations of writers

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, unveiled a statue of renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, pledging to preserve the writer’s legacy and encourage the emergence of future literary icons.

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The monument, located at Ugwunwasike Roundabout, Ogidi, Achebe’s hometown, was unveiled 13 years after the passing of the celebrated novelist whose works shaped global understanding of African literature.

Soludo described Achebe as a symbol of excellence whose contributions to literature and culture earned him international recognition.

The governor said his administration would continue supporting initiatives aimed at preserving the author’s achievements while creating opportunities for young writers from Anambra and beyond.

“Achebe represents excellence and remains one of the world’s greatest literary figures. We will continue to support initiatives that inspire the emergence of more Achebes in Idemili North and Anambra State,” Soludo said.

The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives and literary enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate the enduring influence of the literary icon.

Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, praised Achebe’s contribution to global literature, describing the late author and Governor Soludo as personalities whose achievements have brought recognition to Anambra State.

The unveiling of the Achebe statue marks another significant effort to preserve the memory of one of Africa’s most influential writers while promoting cultural heritage and literary tourism in Ogidi.

Achebe, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, gained worldwide acclaim through his 1958 novel Things Fall Apart, a landmark work that has been translated into several languages and remains a major text in schools and universities across the world.

The author’s influence extended beyond fiction, as he used literature to explore African identity, colonial experiences and social change, earning him global respect throughout his career.

Chinua Achebe died on March 21, 2013, at the age of 82, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, following a brief illness. He was buried on May 23, 2013, in Ogidi, Anambra State.

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The new monument is expected to serve as both a tribute to Achebe’s remarkable journey and a reminder of the role of literature in shaping cultural identity and inspiring future generations.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”