Events

Soludo Unveils Achebe Statue to Honour Literary Legacy

Published

4 months 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

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

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The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

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The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.