Late literary giant, Professor Chinua Achebe began his final journey to his country home of Ogidi in Anambra State on Tuesday.
The remains of the world acclaimed literary icon arrived at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, at exactly 12:25 p.m on board a chattered aircraft with the number FNBPE.
Upon arrival at the Airport, Achebe’s body was received by some officials of the Enugu State Government and the Ogidi community.
His body, accompanied by his wife and children, was later received at the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, where a special academic procession and special Senate was held in his honour.
The Special Senate session, which was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Bartho Okolo, commenced with one-minute of silence in honour of the departed literary giant.
Thereafter, the University Registrar, A.I Okonto called the roll-call of the members of the University’s Senate, with Professor Achebe’s name coming last.
As the late writer could not answer his name, the Vice Chancellor began his address by repeating his name.
“It is quite unlike Emeritus Professor Chinua Achebe, our revered man of letters, the literary giant, the Eagle on Iroko, to stay silent at the mention of his name.
“For the avoidance of doubt, may I call his name just one more time: Emeritus Professor Chinua Achebe! Truly, this is a solemn confirmation that the earthly sojourn of our revered colleague, Emeritus Professor Chinualumogu Albert Achebe, our patriot, who rose to become a citizen of the world has come to an end. It is, therefore, with profound grief and regret that I preside over this special senate in his honour”, he stated.
After a pause, Profesor Okolo said: “May I formerly announce the passing of a highly revered colleague, a truly distinguished academic of international status and one of the finest academics that the University of Nigeria has ever produced”.
He described Achebe as “one of the best creative minds of our generation. I am talking of a man who told the story of Africa in over 50 different languages.
He said:“In doing so, he brought various aspects of the political history and socio-political existence of Nigeria to the attention of the world.
“While the world mourns Professor Achebe for his literary prowess, especially his contribution to the development of African literature, the country mourns him for his unwavering patriotism. It was this patriotism that drove him into being a social critic and commentator”.
Okolo observed that Achebe’s death would leave a void in the university, adding that he would be remembered as “a remarkable teacher, an astute administrator, a creative genius, a story teller and author of extra-ordinary ability.
“Dear colleagues, here lies the remains of a man of extraordinary achievements, who had travelled the entire world for his ability to tell a story like no other”.
Members of the University Senate as well as other members of the University community later paid their last respects to Achebe, before his body departed to Ogidi in Anambra State.
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