The Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, in collaboration with the Anambra State Library Board, has hosted the 10th Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture with renewed calls for stronger reading culture among young people and greater government investment in literary development.
The event, held at the Anambra State Central E-Library, Awka, had the theme “Revisiting The Trouble With Nigeria: The Achebean Perspective.”
It attracted scholars, students, writers, and delegates from Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Paul University, Awka, all gathered to honour the legacy of the late literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
In his welcome address, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, said Nigeria’s most pressing challenges revolve around poor leadership and deep-rooted structural imbalance.
While aligning with Achebe’s assertion that leadership remains the country’s core problem, he stressed that structural defects—such as the South East having only five states and fewer local governments—continue to hinder Nigeria’s development.
He described Nigeria as “a work in progress,” in need of balanced reforms and visionary leadership.
Addressing the students, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene said education was the foundation of Achebe’s global prominence.
Learning with dedication
He urged youths to pursue learning with dedication, insisting that “good leadership begins with early training.”
Okeke-Ogene also appealed for sustained government funding to ensure the festival’s continuity.
Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Christopher Molokwu, challenged young writers to lead with creativity and ideas.
He lamented the declining reading culture among youths, warning that “a reader is a leader.”
Molokwu encouraged emerging writers to document Nigeria’s realities as Achebe did, rather than relying solely on digital shortcuts and artificial intelligence.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, described Achebe as a fearless advocate of justice and good governance.
He urged young people to read more and safeguard the heritage of printed books despite the rise of digital media.
Representing former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, commended the festival coordinator, Mr. Izunna Okafor, for sustaining the annual event for a decade without government support.
Avoiding future poverty
She advised students to take their education and health seriously to avoid future poverty.
Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, represented by Chief Ikenna Jibike, expressed concern over falling interest in education among male children.
He noted that many boys now prefer menial jobs and phone-related activities to schooling. He called for scholarships for indigent students and special attention to the boy-child.
Director of the Anambra State Library, Dr. Nkechi Udeze, cautioned youths against tribalism, fake lifestyles, and misuse of phones, which she described as some of “the troubles with Nigeria.”
She urged teachers and leaders to emulate Achebe’s values of integrity and courage.
Festival coordinator and State Chairman of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Mr. Izunna Okafor, lamented the low level of government support despite the festival’s national and international impact over the last ten years.
He highlighted Achebe’s global influence and appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to establish a Writers Residency in Achebe’s honour.
Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of the 10th Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology and the presentation of awards to winners of the 2025 Chinua Achebe Essay Competition.
Okafor Chidimma of Differential College, Okpuno, emerged overall winner, followed by Igwe Oluebube, Agbo Chidera, Ibechereobi Chetachukwu, and Mmesoma Blessing.
Winners received certificates, cash prizes, literary textbooks, and the Chinua Achebe Award of Excellence.
