Social Diary

The burial of Chinua Achebe, a literary giant on May 23, drew the entire world to Ogidi, a sleepy town in Anambra State

|  By Vincent Nzemeke  |

BUT for the achievements of renowned author, Chinua Achebe, Ogidi, a quiet town in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, would have remained unknown to the world. Through his works and global acclaim, Achebe put Ogidi on the global map and made it a destination point for many people around the world. Even in death, Achebe’s name still echoes loud in Ogidi and continues to attract visitors to the town.

Penultimate week, when Achebe, the author of one of Africa’s classic novels, Things Fall Apart was buried, Ogidi played host to thousands of visitors from near and far-flung parts of the world. All the roads leading to the town experienced heavy and unusual traffic jam. Junctions, corners and walls were littered with posters and banners of the late author. On the roll call were President Goodluck Jonathan and John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Emeka Anyaoku, Peter Obi, Chris Ngige, Pius Anyim and a host of other politicians and government officials.

During the burial, thousands of people struggled to get into Achebe’s family compound. Those who succeeded wrote glowing tributes to the late author in the condolence register. Also a larger crowd of traditional rulers, indigenes and visitors from near and far turned out at the St Philips Anglican Church where a church service was held for the deceased.

The ceremony was spiced up by traditional dancers and masquerades who thrilled guests with beautiful dance steps at the reception which followed the interment.

 

 — Jun. 17, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT

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