The President (Dr. Wale Okediran) and members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) were at the International Airport in Abuja in the early hours of January 19 to receive Nigeria’s literary giant, Chinua Achebe, who was accompanied by his wife, Christy, son, Chidi, and daughter, Nwandu.
In a short discussion with Okediran, Achebe who appeared very relaxed and agile expressed his appreciation to ANA for the wonderful celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of THINGS FALL APART. He was particularly thrilled that ANA was able to take the celebrations to his family home and primary school in Ogidi.
When Okediran apologised for the technical difficulty that made it impossible to have the much advertised telecast interview with him during the celebrations, Achebe also apologised for his inability to be in Nigeria for the event. He put this down to some health issues which needed sorting out. He explained that his inability to fully relocate home is due to the poor facilities in the country which will further handicap his life now that he is confined to the wheelchair.
Achebe, who started his career as a medical student before switching to the arts, jokingly asked whether Okediran still had time for medicine in view of his heavy schedule as ANA President. Okediran replied that he was now more into the policy aspect of medicine instead of the usual bedside medical practice.
When showed the latest edition of the ANA REVIEW with his colored photograph on the front cover, Achebe was full of smiles and appreciation to the current ANA leadership for keeping the association going.
And when Okediran informed him that the last ANA Convention took place in Zamfara State, Achebe expressed his happiness that literary activities are being taken to different parts of the country.
View photos of Chinua Achebe and the welcoming team at the airport here.
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