Anambra Young Writers move to mark Achebe’s 89th birthday with Literary Festival

ALL is now set for the 2019 edition of the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival which will hold this Saturday in Awka,  Anambra State Capital.

  This was disclosed by the state coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Mr. Izunna Okafor, who is also the convener of the event.

  He said the event will draw the participation of literary enthusiasts and figures, writers of all class, and intellectuals from different parts of the country, and will feature, among other literay packages: lectures in memory of Achebe, dramatizing of Achebe’s selected books, Open Mic/Spoken Word, Chinua Achebe Essay Writing Competition (for secondary school students, sponsored by the Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation), unveiling and presentation of the Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology entitled “Arrows of Words” (which is the association’s newest collection of poems and essays published in honour of Achebe), award presentation, and many more.

  According to him, the literary festival, which holds annually since 2016 is organised by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, (Anambra State Chapter) in honour of Nigeria’s literary legend and father of the African Literature — Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, who died in March 2013, in commemoration and celebration of his immense contributions and legacies in the literary field.

  While unveiling the 2019 theme of the event – ‘Intellectuals And National Development: The Chinua Achebe Approach,’  Izunna described it as apt, given the rueful position of Nigeria today on the developmental ladder, and the envisaged roles the intellectuals have in fixing it, using Chinua Achebe as a benchmark.

  ‘This auspicious theme,’ Izunna says, ‘will be further dissected at the literary festival by an international award-winning actor and author, R.C. Ofodile who will be the lead paper presenter and guest lecturer at the event.’

  He further disclosed that the literary festival, which is done in collaboration with the Anambra State Library Board will be declared open by  Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest of Honour.

  The statement reads in part: “Other guests and literary enthusiasts expected at the literary festival include: Senator Uche Ekwunife (Senator, representing Anambra Central); the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment,  C.Don Adinuba; Chief Oseloka Obaze (author and former guber candidate); Mr. James Ezeh (Chief Press Secretary to the Governor); Sir Chuka Nnabuife, (author of ‘Mbize: Rage of Red Earth, and MD/CEO, National Light Newspaper); Chief Uche Nworah (author of The Long Harmattan Season, and MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service); Rev. Fr. Ositadimma Amakeze (author of The Last Carver); Okeke Chika Jerry (author of The gods Are Hungry); Odili Ujubuoñu (author of Pregnancy of the gods); Uzor Maxim Uzoatu (author of  God of Poetry); Isidore Emeka Uzoatu (author of Vision Impossible)”

  The royal fathers of the day include:  Igwe Alex Uzor Onyido of Ogidi< Eze  Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike of Ndikelionwu, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi.

  The statement reads: “Participation in the 2019 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival is absolutely FREE and open to all. It will hold on the 16th November, 2019 at Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library, Awka, (Beside Aroma Junction).