ANAMBRA SET TO HONOUR ACHEBE WITH POMP AND PAGEANTRY

Anambra is set to give a befitting burial to late Prof. Chinua Achebe (Ikejimba). Events celebrating his life has already commenced in different parts of Nigeria and abroad. The Peter Obi administration is offering all the needed support to make the funeral a huge success as all road will lead to his hometown, Ogidi next weekend. The Federal Government has been unequivocally supportive in planning the funeral.

Recently Gov. Peter Obi held a press conference in Abuja in which he underlined support for the funeral as articulated by the Achebe Family. On Wednesday 22 May, Ndi Anambra will gather in Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka to bid farewell to Achebe and celebrate his rich life and legacies. He will be buried on Thursday 23 May 2013 after a church service at St. Philips Anglican Church, Ogidi.

Anambra State's Secretary to the Government, Mr.Oseloka H. Obaze, who is member international funeral committee and chair of the Anambra State Government Funeral Committee, noted that "all roads will lead to Ogidi next week.". Obaze confirmed that several Heads of State and Government and foreign dignitaries were being expected, but declined to be specific. "Chinua Achebe" he said, "deserved to be celebrated like no other Nigerian. He was a legend in his lifetime." It is gathered that the major roads of Anambra will be adorned with billboards in tribute to Achebe.