The Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport has been christened after Anambra-born father of African Literature, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo made the announcement at Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary celebration held at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
The airport will now be known as Chinua Achebe International Passenger and Cargo Airport, Umueri.
Governor Soludo said that the renaming follows his administration’s deliberate effort to recognize the efforts of Nigeria’s heroes past. He revealed that legacy is about impact of human life and civilization, describing Chinụa Achebe as an African and global hero who has remained in-immortalized at home since his demise while explaining that the renaming of the airport after the literary icon followed wide consultations.
While commending Nigeria’s heroes past, Governor Soludo said that the celebration of the Independence anniversary offers an opportunity for deep reflection and to refine the gains towards the future, identifying patriotism, selfless service, among others as some of the attributes of most of Nigeria’s heroes past.
The Governor revealed that federal and various state governments have tried to immortalize the heroes, expressing his administration’s strong commitment to reclaim the soul of the society by celebrating the values of founders of the country.
He paid glowing tributes to all the founding fathers who despite their shortcomings, demonstrated nationalism, saying that though there are squandered opportunities, the future holds great potentials.
The Governor stated that the new administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is faced with a lot of challenges, even though there are no quick fixes, everyone should fasten their seatbelts.
Earlier, the Governor inspected the parade mounted by the Nigeria Police.
The event featured calisthenics and march past by select schools in the state.
