Chinua Achebe: Indeed, there was a writer

Source: Prof Amb. Chinedu Asinu-Anosike
Click for Full Image Size

Imagining the vacuum Professor Chinua Achebe's exit has caused Nigeria and Nigerians; I still could not bring to resolute what the future holds for our great nation, Nigeria. The aged and now late Achebe, while on earth was a caution to Nigeria's rascal style of leadership. While on earth, whenever he speaks, a scholar spoke. And that threw caution to our system of leadership against injustice and corruption.

How time flies, I vividly could remember my closed encounter with him in Imo State, when he presented the 2010 Ahiajoku annual lecture. One on one, a brand consultant of that lecture, I professionally took the branding job with care knowing fully well that Achebe was a meticulous and fastidious writer and person.

Appreciatively, after the lecture, we met in a seminar again in Abuja; he hugged and lauded my enormous effort in branding and putting of great effect on the then annual lecture in Owerri, Imo State.

As not all scholars are scholar, he could be noted as one with a distinction in the art industry where we all brought our rich experiences to bear and it came to fruition that the world at large acknowledges our effort, while some have us in their minds and heart as role models.

Indeed, there was a writer who came, saw and wrote. As if he knew that the past would come calling, he launched a book that will for a very longtime serve as a guide to Nigerians until another force emerges to be reckoned with. However, my working with Prof Chinua Achebe as brand consultant to Ahiajoku annual lecture, really gave me a rare insight and opportunity to know his leadership trait, even on what made him African renowned writer of all times.

Strongly, the little I know and have tapped from him will not be an effortless one, as I and some other opportunists and graduates of Achebe's School of Thought would forever champion his course for a better and strong nation, Nigeria. Indeed, there was a country, and that country will return to its past glory. Adieu, great scholar of distinction.

Prof Amb. Chinedu Asinu-Anosike is the CEO of Cona Concept Inc. He is a brand consultant and also worked for Achebe in some of his seminars as brand manager.

Disclaimer: "The views expressed on this site are those of the contributors or columnists, and do not necessarily reflect TheNigerianVoice’s position. TheNigerianVoice will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here."