The funeral sermon conducted by Most Reverend Ikechi Nwosu centred on foundational upbringing in which the preacher described the late Achebe as a parable whose life started from Ogidi and ended in Ogidi with a Christian foundation thoroughly laid by his late parents.
The Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, thereafter opened the floor for speeches in which presentations from the Presidency threw light on the global impact Achebe had on people and whom the president himself called a philosopher.
The president, who spoke on the great essence of the late Prof Achebe, acknowledged not meeting him when he was alive but has been thoroughly influenced by his works.
He urged the younger generation to rewrite Prof Achebe’s last work of “There was a country” to “There is a country.” He also announced plans for the construction of a new school building where Professor Chinua Achebe attended primary school at St Philips Primary School, Akpakogwe, Ogidi, by the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments.
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana was at the ceremony amongst many dignitaries from the diplomatic corps and political office holders .From the Foreign Affairs Ministry, National Assembly and friends of Professor Achebe flowed words that tried to capture the essence of the literary icon.
“Chinua Achebe gave Africa its confidence,” said Emeka Anyaoku, an Igbo elder.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nurudeen Muhammed handed over to the Achebes the condolence register from twenty five countries.
Prof Achebe then began his final journey to the great beyond as his remains were finally brought to his country home in Ikenga Ogidi where he was laid to rest.
Rest in peace, sir!
No comments:
Post a Comment