In pursuance with the “Call For Submission In Memory of Achebe” made by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, in collaboration with the Anambra State Library Board; it pleases the forum to unveil the top ten entries that stand out among the numerous others, as stated in the call.
This ‘call for submission’, which opened online between 6th – 30th of October 2017 was aimed at seeking quality poems, essays and reviews in the memory of a late Nigerian Legendary Writer – Prof. Chinua Achebe. The call attracted over fifty essays, poems and reviews from writers across the world, including the United States of America, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, among others; all written in the memory of Achebe. In the words of the event Coordinator – Izunna Okafor, who is also the State president of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers in Anambra, all the entries were perfect, as the writers have proven their worth and dexterity in the handling of pen”.
He further stated that in every contest, however, there must be a winner or group of winners, as the case may be; even as he encouraged all the entrants never to relent in their writing, as each of them has history to make in the world of the pen. Izunna also noted that the entrants have all been privately communicated through various means of contact they provided at the time of their submissions.
As submitted by the panel of judges who subjected the entries to rigorous scrutiny, below is the list of the top entries:
Essays/Reviews
- In The Memory of Achebe
By Ohita Afeisume - Just Like The Palm Tree – By Stanley Ezechukwu
- A THESIS ON CHINUA ACHEBE’S “THINGS FALL APART” – By Oghenero Genza
- Chinua Achebe: The Literary Icon And Celebrated Moralist – By Marcel Ike Okonkwo
- Chinua Achebe: The Today Without Yesterday – By Chuks Njoku
- Chinua Achebe: The Mouthpiece of Biafra – By Asogwa Jude Ikechukwu
- Pieces Of A Famous Man. – By Nwosu Faith
- The Written Lives Forever – Paul Abiola Oku-ola
- THE AFRICAN TREASURE – By Nwobi Chidubem Valentine
- Achebe The Wordsmith- By Ezinne Anekwe
Poetry
- Our Story in His-Story – By Agholor Henry Nduka
- Leave To Be Remembered – My Unsaid Words – By Ifeoma Isabella Okeke
- Photograph – By John Chizoba Vincent
- Oh Death! – By Adanna Otuechere
- Chinua Achebe: The Today Without Yesterday – By Chuks Njoku
- When You See Achebe… – By Lekan Malik
- Passenger – By Akinwale Peace Akindayo
- The Shock of His Death – By Stanley Mata
- Deep Down Achebe’s Tomb – By Felix Chibuisi. P
- Man of Letters – By Sam Chukwudi Nwokpoku
To further commemorate his memory, on his date of birth – 16th November 2017, a one-day mega literary event was held in memory of the late literary champion. The event held at the Anambra State Central E-Library, Awka. There were special entries used for holding a posthumous celebration of Chinua Achebe at 87.
Please note that the arrangement does not follow any order of superiority.