Society of young Nigerian writers (Anambra state chapter) celebrates 2021 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture.
The event which took place at Anambra state Central E-library, Awka, Anambra state was a revered ritual conference in honour of Late Prof. Chinualumogu Achebe, profoundly known for his masterpiece in literary arts.
The International, Iconic writer who was born in 1930. An intellectual, a prolific writer, a novelist, a poet, an essayist. Also doubled as the Avatar of the universal spirit of opposition to the subtle tearing apart of the fabric of traditional societies by the white man; first with religion, followed by the imposition of his system of government and then by the undistinguished economic exploration of the land and its peolple for the enrichment of his country.
The 5th Achebe Annual Literary festival and memorial Lecture Series in commemoration of the father of African literature’s postmortem birthday also calls to unite Authors, literary enthusiast and to uplift arts and culture.
The 2021 literary festival featured; lectures, spoken word/poetry performance, Drama, Essay writing competition, unveiling of fifth Chinua Achebe poetry/Essay Anthology, Award presentation, Art Exhibition, Entertainment among others.
The keynote speaker Sir Chuka Nnabuife, author, journalist, artist and MD/CEO Anambra Newspaper and printing corporarion speaking on the event Extol Achebe as a man who with his pen exposes the ills of the whites and the shackles of colonization.
Other speakers include: Prof. Peter Umeadi, Former Chief Judge, Anambra state: Royal Father of the day H.R.H Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka |||, Traditional Ruler of Obosi) : Mr. Camilus Ukah, National President, Association of Nigerian Authors: prof stella Okunna: An Iconic Nollywood Actor Bob-mmanuel amongst others were awarded for upliftment of literary arts in Nigeria.
During the event opportunity was availed to secondary students to express their thoughts with their inks on an essay topic captioned:”Remembering Achebe in a time like this” which is also the theme of the event and the schools which participated include; seat of wisdom comprehensive secondary school Nnobi, community secondary school Okpuno herKenneth Dike memorial secondary school Awka, St Patrick’s college Awka,Faith model secondary school Awka, Redeemer international high school, Kings and Queens Academy Ifite Awka,Nnamdi Azikiwe high school Awka,Igwebike Grammar school Awka. After which the winner received an award and cash prize.
Society of Young Nigeria Writers also unveiled their Anthology: “There was a man”