Posted by The airport serving the state of Anambra will soon be known as the Chinua Achebe International Airport, as stated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
This was announced by Soludo on Independence Day in the state capital of Awka’s Dr Alex Ekwueme Square.
Soludo found it heartening that many people who helped bring about Nigeria’s independence in 1960 have been honored with the naming of various projects.
Noting that nearly all of the projects had the names of prominent politicians, he declared that his administration would make an exception in honoring Achebe by renaming 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 the many unsung heroes among us who serve as role models for our children and young people in areas such as honesty and integrity in the workplace, the creation of jobs and wealth for others, community service, and the devotion of the clergy.
“The late Professor Albert Chinualumogu Achebe is a perfect example of Africa’s unsung hero.
Achebe “was not a President, Governor, or Minister. Bridges, roads, and airports were not constructed by him. However, he will outlive the vast majority of governors, ministers, and presidents.
With his writing, Achebe gave African literature a face and a voice. We shall never forget the way he rightly reassembled and reshaped us. Neither Anambra nor Nigeria can claim him as a hero. Yet despite his widespread recognition as a national and international hero, he received little recognition in his own Africa.
The Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport in Umueri will henceforth be known as the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri. The airport “absolutely must serve international flights,” as Soludo put out, and the two governments should collaborate to make that happen.