Achebe Statue Funded by Community, Not State: Soludo Aide

The statue of renowned literary figure Chinua Achebe was unveiled at the Ugwu Nwasik Roundabout in Ogidi, Anambra State, by Governor Chukwuma Soludo on a Saturday. Ejimofor Opara, the governor's Senior Special Assistant on New Media, clarified that the statue was entirely funded and executed by the Ogidi Town Union, dismissing claims that it was a state government project.

This clarification followed widespread reactions on social media regarding the statue's resemblance to Achebe and the artistic interpretation. Opara urged critics not to undermine the community's initiative, emphasizing that the monument serves to immortalize Achebe, an illustrious son of Ogidi.

The statue features engravings of excerpts from Achebe's celebrated works, including "Things Fall Apart" and "Arrow of God." Opara also noted that the Soludo administration previously honored Achebe by renaming the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport after him in 2023, recognizing Achebe among five distinguished figures from Anambra.