- Title: NIGERIA: Celebrates Chinua Achebe ahead of burial
- Date: 23rd May 2013
- Summary: ANAMBRA, NIGERIA (MAY 22, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF ROAD WITH SIGNPOST READING: "CHINUA ACHEBE, WELCOME HOME "OUR GREAT HERO" VARIOUS OF MASQUERADE DANCING AT TRIBUTE TO CHINUA ACHEBE CEREMONY MAN TAKING PICTURE OF DANCERS VARIOUS OF DIGNITARIES AT TRIBUTE CEREMONY CHINUA ACHEBE'S PICTURE ON A PAIR OF TROUSERS (SOUNDBITE) (English) PETER OBI, GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE SAYING: "The man that we have all gathered here for, like I have always said, he's lived his life; he has shown us the path of good life. Can we then start our own life based on that path?" VARIOUS OF ACHEBE'S COFFIN / PEOPLE PAYING LAST RESPECT VARIOUS OF CULTURAL DANCE TROUPE PERFORMANCE (SOUNDBITE) (English) UMADI OKOLI, BUSINESSMAN, SAYING: "His importance not only in the states or the country, even worldwide he cannot be underestimated and I thank the government for according him this special honour." (SOUNDBITE) (English) FRANK MADUKA, ANAMBRA RESIDENT SAYING: "Professor Chinua Achebe, we've not really met him, I have not seen him. I've heard the tales like a growing child since when I was born, he has made history. He set an example for Anambra and youths in particular in the time when we needed him most, it was the time when our town was filled with mischief, lies, deceits and terrible examples when we have delinquents, Chinua has distinguish himself." BANNER READING: "CHINUA ACHEBE LIVES ON"
- Embargoed: 7th June 2013 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Nigeria
- Country: Nigeria
- Topics: Arts,People
- Reuters ID: LVA4QW73GP9FID7HA52B2TA9Q8VN
- Story Text: The hometown of Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe, who died at the age of 82 in March is playing host to thousands attending the funeral of a man widely seen as the grandfather of modern African literature.
But while the south eastern state of Anambra is in mourning, people are also celebrating Achebe's life and works.
From the publication of his first novel, "Things Fall Apart", over 50 years ago, Achebe shaped an understanding of Africa from an African perspective more than any other author.
As a novelist, poet, broadcaster and lecturer, Achebe was a yardstick against which generations of African writers have been judged. For children across Africa, his books have for decades been an eye-opening introduction to the power of literature.
Traditional dancers performed at a ceremony organised in honor of the author, where dignitaries and fans alike shared tributes.
"The man that we have all gathered here for, like I have always said, he's lived his life; he has shown us the path of good life. Can we then start our own life based on that path," said Peter Obi, Anambra state governor.
The pain at Achebe's death was felt across Nigeria, and particularly in the south-eastern homeland of the Igbos.
Achebe never hesitated to turn harsh words on his home country, publishing a pamphlet in 1983, "The Trouble With Nigeria", excoriating its corruption and condemning it as "dirty, callous, noisy, ostentatious, dishonest and vulgar. In short it is among the most unpleasant places on earth."
In 2004, he turned down the title 'Commander of the Federal Republic' offered to him by then President Olusegun Obasanjo, replying that he was appalled by the cliques who had turned Nigeria into "a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom".
His controversy won him a global following. Fans have come from all over Nigeria and the Diaspora to pay their respects.
"His importance not only in the states or the country, even world-wide he cannot be underestimated and I thank the government for according him this special honour," said Umadi Okoli, a businessman.
"Professor Chinua Achebe, we've not really met him, I have not seen him. I've heard the tales like a growing child since when I was born, he has made history. He set an example for Anambra and youths in particular in the time when we needed him most, it was the time when our town was filled with mischief, lies, deceits and terrible examples when we have delinquents, Chinua has distinguish himself," said Frank Aduka, a resident of Anambra.
Achebe will be buried at his place of birth in Ogidi later on Thursday (May 23). - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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