Writers Tour commemorates Chinua Achebe’s 94th birthday

By Editor

TODAY, the literary community comes together to honour the life, works, and legacy of Prof. Chinua Achebe on what would have been his 94th birthday. Spearheaded by the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, under the leadership of its first female National President, Maduekwe Cynthia Chinenye (CyanahPEN), the maiden edition of the Writers Tour celebrates Achebe’s monumental contributions to African literature.

The event, scheduled to run from 6:00pm to 10:30pm, is designed to immerse participants in the spirit of storytelling, reflection, and inspiration. The programme will feature a variety of activities, including a networking session, a book reading, giveaways, and an engaging discussion on the upcoming National Writers Conference 2025, tagged Writerference 2.0. Special guest Amb. Mercy Obidake, a renowned digital influencer with over 1.2 million followers, will share insights on digital skills for writers.

Chinenye expressed her admiration for Achebe, stating, “Every November 16th, we honour the literary giant whose works have reshaped how African stories are told and understood. His iconic novel, Things Fall Apart, remains a cornerstone of African literature, challenging stereotypes and celebrating our cultural heritage.”

In her heartfelt tribute, Chinenye emphasized Achebe’s timeless relevance, when she said, “Achebe’s profound exploration of identity, tradition, and human experience continues to inspire generations. His legacy teaches us that our stories matter, our voices are important, and our truths deserve recognition.”

The event also marks the beginning of a series of Writers Tours, envisioned as platforms to foster unity among writers and to honour African literary pioneers. Participants will reflect on Achebe’s courage in addressing themes such as colonialism, social justice, and cultural preservation.

Chinua Achebe

Highlights of the evening include a session titled Read a Book with Q&A, which invites attendees to engage deeply with Achebe’s works and draw lessons for contemporary times. “Achebe’s words challenge us to speak truth to power and to celebrate the diversity of our narratives,” Chinenye added.

The society’s president concluded her remarks with a profound note of gratitude: “Thank you, Prof. Achebe, for being a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Your legacy lives on through us, the writers who continue to draw inspiration from your brilliance.”

The Writers Tour is a fitting tribute to Achebe’s enduring impact on African and global literature. It serves as a reminder of his pioneering spirit and his unwavering commitment to telling authentic African stories.