It was a remarkable and unforgettable day that the Achebe’s Family would forever savor, as eminent personalities gathered from every part of the world to say farewell to the literary icon and reputable Nobel Laureate, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

At the burial service held in the deceased hometown, Ogidi, Anambra state, Achebe’s literary virtues was extolled by the dignitaries present at the occassion, among who was the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and his counterpart from Ghana, John Mahama.

Speaking at the event, President Jonathan described Achebe as a Philosopher, who expressed his personal ideas through literature. He referenced to some of the popular books written by the deceased, some which the president himself claimed to have read while in Secondary school. Books like “Things Fall Apart”, “The Trouble with Nigeria”, “Arrow of God” etc. “His recently published literature titled “There was a country” expressed the Achebe’s opinion about the true Nigeria that has gone to extinction. I hope this would be a challenge to all our politicians who must strive to bring back the perfect Nigeria visualized by Achebe, so that in the nearest future, we can say ”there is a country”, President Jonathan said.

In his address, President John Mahama of Ghana described Achebe as a true African icon, who has left good footprints, so difficult to fade away from the memories of every individual that have had one or two encounter with the late Nobel prize winner. He further explained that although he was unable to meet with Achebe during his lifetime, yet “my happiest day in his life was the day Achebe replied my request regarding a book I was writing. He told me that he has accepted to edit the book for me”, President Mahama said.

However, both Nigerian and Ghanaian Presidents promised to uphold the legacy of Chinua Achebe by building a New Modern Primary School for Ogidi Community, in memory of Achebe.

Dignities present at the auspicious occasion includes; Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, Former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme, Senator Chris Ngige, Minister for Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Spiritual leaders, amongst others.