Soludo Renames Anambra Airport To Chinua Achebe Airport

Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has decided to change the name of the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport to the Chinua Achebe International Passenger and Cargo Airport. This announcement was made through a widely circulated WhatsApp message from Governor Soludo’s New Media Aide, Mazi Ejimofor.

The renaming of the airport, which was constructed during the later stages of the previous Governor, Chief Willie Obiano’s administration, has sparked a debate and division among the supporters of the two governors.

Governor Soludo had previously mentioned the intention to rename the Anambra International Convention Centre in Awka, another legacy of Governor Obiano’s tenure, in honor of the former governor. However, during a speech at the Anambra Investment Summit in September 2023, Governor Soludo indicated that he had not yet discussed this proposed name change with his predecessor.

Sources familiar with the conversations between Governor Soludo and Governor Obiano following this public announcement revealed that Governor Obiano declined the offer to have the convention center renamed after him. Many people argue that naming the airport after him would have been a more fitting tribute.

Chinua Achebe, a native of Ogidi in Anambra State, is a renowned figure in the state and the author of the internationally acclaimed book “Things Fall Apart,” which has been translated into numerous languages.