10th Achebe Literary Festival: Stakeholders Demand Measures to Improve Reading Culture

By Ukpa Ewa

Stakeholders at the 10th edition of Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture have called for measures aimed at improving reading culture among youths as well as greater government support for literary development.

The lecture organized by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers Anambra State Chapter in collaboration with the Anambra State Library Board was held at the Anambra State Central E-Library Awka.

The event which had as its theme “Revisiting the Trouble With Nigeria: The Achebean Perspective,” brought together scholars, students, writers and representatives from Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers and Paul University Awka to honour the legacy of the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Delivering his welcome address, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor argued that Nigeria challenges revolve around leadership and structural imbalance.

He acknowledged Achebe position that leadership was Nigeria major problem but added that the country structural defects also hinder development.
Dr. Mefor noted that inequities such as the South East having only five states and fewer local governments reflect deeper structural issues that limit national growth stressing that Nigeria remains “a work in progress,” requiring time balance and visionary leadership.

Speaking to the students at the event, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene (Mbuze Nanka) said education made Achebe great, urging youths to pursue education, maintaining that Achebe achieved global stature through learning.
He emphasized that good leadership begins with early training and appealed for government sponsorship so the festival does not die.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Christopher Molokwu said young writers must lead with ideas. He decried the declining reading culture among youths, warning that “a reader is a leader.”
He urged young Nigerian writers to document the nation challenges as Achebe did, instead of relying heavily on digital shortcut and artificial intelligence.

Speaking also, the Commissioner for Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism Anambra State Mr. Don Onyenji described Achebe as a fearless advocate of good governance. He advised young people to embrace reading and preserve the culture of printed books in the digital age.

Representing the former Governor of Anambra State Mr. Peter Obi, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University praised the festival coordinator, Mr. Izunna Okafor, for sustaining the event for 10 years without government support.
She advised students to take their education and health seriously to secure a future free from poverty.

Moreso, the Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council Igwe Chidubem Iweka represented by Chief Ikenna Jibike expressed worry about declining education of the boy child stating that many boys no longer value education as many now prefer menial jobs and phone activities. He advocated for scholarships for indigent students and adequate attention given to boys.

On her part, Director of the Anambra State Library, Dr. Nkechi Udeze, urged youths to avoid tribalism, fake lifestyles and misuse of phones, describing them as some of “the troubles with Nigeria.”She encouraged teachers and leaders to emulate Achebe’s integrity.

The Coordinator of Society of Young Nigerian Writers Mr. Izunna Okafor, expressed disappointment over low government support despite the festival’s decade long impact. He highlighted Achebe’s global achievements and appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to establish a Writers Residency in honour of the late literary icon.

Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the 10th Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology and recognition of winners of the 2025 Chinua Achebe Essay Competition with Okafor Chidimma (Differential College, Okpuno) emerging overall winner, followed by Igwe Oluebube, Agbo Chidera, Ibechereobi Chetachukwu, and Mmesoma Blessing.
Certificates, cash prizes, literary textbooks and the Chinua Achebe Award of Excellence were presented.