By Laz Ude Eze

After reading about the history of his early years noting that he wrote his most popular book Things Fall Apart while in his late 20s, I asked myself, I’m I doing enough for myself and for my country? Are young Nigerians learning from trailblazers like Achebe?

“If you say you are ‘passionate’ about Africa and you don’t know who Chinua Achebe is, you better reflect on which Africa you are passionate about” – Kagwe Njoroge (Kenyan)

“Was that dude (Chinua Achebe) an idol? It is truly a tragic loss. He was really the father of African literature. Thank God I was forced to read his books. R.I.P!” – Makda Tesfaledet (Australian)

 

Tributes have continued to flow since our own Professor Chinualumogu Albert Achebe, a world acclaimed literary icon and statesman, joined his ancestors on March 21^st. Before he published his last book – There was a Country where he wrote about his early days, not many knew much about his history. The book is arguably his best parting gift to Nigeria. I read with keen interest his journey to Government College Umuahia and subsequently the then University College, Ibadan (now University of Ibadan). It reminded me of my own journey to Government College, Afikpo and onward to the University of Ibadan. Achebe’s life has remained a model for many coming after him, particularly in the world of literature.

After reading about the history of his early years noting that he wrote his most popular book Things Fall Apart while in his late 20s, I asked myself, I’m I doing enough for myself and for my country? Are young Nigerians learning from trailblazers like Achebe? I can say that the answers are positive but not too encouraging. I know lots of young people doing great things but being frustrated by our relatively hostile system. But we can’t thank God enough for the gift of Chinua Achebe. Achebe was an inspiration to me. I’ve never failed to show off my ‘Nigerianess’ here in United States. I received the news of his death with shock and pains, but taking solace in the enviable life he lived. Although he was 82, a personality like Achebe is one that we would wish he stays around forever. But the good thing is that he would never die. His works have immortalized him. Personally, I’ve learnt many lessons from the life of this icon.

Professor Achebe’s self esteem was awesome. During the colonial period when inferiority complex pervades the entire African continent (still does to some extent), Achebe believed in himself. He was confident of his abilities and those of his peers – the likes of Wole Soyinka, Christopher Okigbo, etc. I started reading his books while in secondary school when one of my older siblings told me that Achebe wrote his first novel before the age of 30 and that it became one of the bestselling books in the world. After my first class in Literature-in-English, I wrote an unpublished drama to test my skills. Young Nigerians must have high self esteem, self confidence and courage to develop their skills and live their dreams.

More so, Achebe’s patriotism is unquestionable. At every stage of his adult life he used his skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to national development. He was a man of integrity and a conscience of the nation at a time when such qualities were rare among many of his contemporaries.  His rejection of national awards in protest of the lingering poor governance in the country endeared him to many Nigerians. Achebe was a man of excellence and everything he did has a touch of excellence. He was our cultural ambassador. He was an advocate for good governance and social justice. He gave us hope. Chinua Achebe was phenomenal.

Since the announcement of his death, my friends from every continent have been sending me condolence messages. I’m not a blood relative of the Achebe’s; those condolences were coming because I’m a Nigerian. I feel so proud that this is coming not long after some of them made fun of our country over the controversial presidential pardon to Bulama and Alamieyeseigha. Some of them were recipients of Achebe’s golden book Things Fall Apart. I couldn’t find a better gift to offer them when I returned from Nigeria last summer. They were very thankful for the gift and wished the man was their kinsman. Some of my American friends also told me they read Achebe’s book while in high school; needless to say that the book is a compulsory read in schools in most African countries. We have many excellent talents in the country, young and old, and I think we should support and celebrate them more in their lifetime than we currently do.

I can’t agree less with the reaction of Kenya’s President-elect, Uhuru Kenyatta to the news of Achebe’s demise. He tweeted, “Chinua Achebe did more than write. He lent his voice to the voiceless and his words to stories that restored the dignity of our continent. As we reflect Achebe‘s life and works, my hope is that his brave re-telling of Africa’s story will inspire us to be brave as we write ours”.

We still have Professor Wole Soyinka, another world literary star and role model. Like Achebe, he has been a campaigner for good governance and social justice. How I wish Nigerian leaders will listen to him. I’m consoled that Nigeria has many young literary (rising) stars including but not limited to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chika Unigwe, Nze Sylva Ifedigbo, Jumoke Verissimo, etc. We will forever be grateful to Achebe, Soyinka, JP Clark, Elechi Amadi, Cyprian Ekwensi, Chukwuemeka Ike, Ola Rotimi, Flora Nwapa, etc for setting the pace.

Professor Achebe has already immortalized himself; but the government of Nigeria can do more by creating a more conducive environment for literary excellence and provide support to our emerging literary icons and encourage reading culture. May God console the family of Pa Achebe and continue to bless his soul. As for me, I will continue to celebrate him and what he stood for.

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Laz Ude Eze, a physician, health policy analyst and global health expert writes from the University of Kentucky, United States

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.