UNN Plans a Make Up Burial Ceremony for Chinua Achebe Four Years After Demise

The University of Nigeria, UNN has expressed a desire to celebrate iconic Chinua Achebe with a befitting ceremonial procession to make up what was performed during his burial.


Source: http://www.campuspunch.com/unn-plans-a-make-up-burial-ceremony-for-chinua-achebe-four-years-after-demise
According to news from The Guardian, the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has scheduled May 22-25, 2017 to hold discussions on the life and times of the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, to remember him four years after his death.

Director of the Institute, Prof. Emeka Nwabueze, stated that the event would provide an renewed opportunity to remember the life and creative abilities of late Prof. Achebe as a literary colossus, four years after his demise.

Nwabueze told newsmen at the institute that the African icon and a crucial personality in the life of the University wuld deserve more than what he got from his burial and that the Institute of african Studies was ready to correct that.

Nwabueze said: “Achebe from the institute’s perspective was not accorded befitting burial as a world class author and one who used his literally works to promote African tradition and culture.

“As Igbo people who believe in four days of “Orie, Afor, Nkwo and Eke,” we felt that the right thing to do is to give this natural Igbo phenomenon four years before celebrating him. We are in the “Eke” of Chinua Achebe’s death and we are determined to correct the short-comings during burial and that is why we are rolling out drums to celebrate him.”

The Director recalled to his listeners how the Senior research follow of the Institute used to produce world dazzling literary contributions from his second floor of the Hansberry building.

“It was in this office that this great writer hibernated, ruminated, poured his ideas on papers, took snacks, received visitors and generated his official correspondence. As a research fellow of the institute, he contributed to the growth and success of the institute,” he said.

The director also added co-chair the occassion would be Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu along side other personalities who are expected to grace the commemoration such as Governors Willy Obiano of Anambra State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State.

The highlight of the four-day event will consist the official opening of Chinua Achebe’s office, which was last opened in 1990 when he celebrated his 60th birthday.

Source: Campuspunch

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