By Wole Adedoyin

The literary world is set to celebrate the life and works of one of the most iconic African writers of all time, Chinua Achebe.

Achebe’s contribution to African literature is invaluable, and his works have influenced generations of writers and readers worldwide.

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced plans to mark the tenth anniversary of Achebe’s transition, and this event promises to be a celebration of his life, works, and legacy.

The theme for the event is “The Immortality of Creativity: Ten Years After Achebe’s Transition,” and it is designed to explore the timeless nature of Achebe’s creativity. The event will hold from the 19th to the 21st of May 2023, and it will feature a blend of virtual and physical sessions to enable participants from different parts of the world to attend.

The first day of the event, Friday, 19th May 2023, will feature tributes and reminiscences on the life and works of the legendary Chinua Achebe. This session promises to be an emotional and reflective moment as writers, critics, and admirers of Achebe share their personal experiences with the man whose work has shaped the African literary landscape.

The second day of the event, Saturday, 20th May 2023, will feature two sessions under the Mbari Series. The morning session will be an open conversation between old and young writers on the immortality of creativity. This session promises to be a thought-provoking moment as writers explore the idea that creativity lives on even after the creator is gone. The evening session will be another open conversation between old and young writers, this time focusing on ten years after Achebe’s transition. This session will examine the impact of Achebe’s transition on African literature and the world at large.

In between the two sessions on Saturday, there will be a dinner break, which will provide an opportunity for writers, critics, and participants to network and share ideas.

The event will close on Sunday, 21st May 2023, with participants departing with a renewed appreciation for Achebe’s contributions to African literature and the literary world at large.

The event promises to be a gathering of some of the most influential voices in African literature, including scholars, writers, critics, and admirers of Achebe. The virtual component of the event will enable those who cannot physically attend the event to participate and contribute to the discussions.

The decision to hold the event at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre (CAICC) at Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape Abuja, is significant. The venue is named after Achebe, and it serves as a reminder of his impact on African literature and his contributions to the literary world.

The event’s timing, coming ten years after Achebe’s transition, is also significant. It provides an opportunity to reflect on his life and works and to appreciate the timeless nature of his creativity. Achebe’s works continue to inspire generations of writers and readers, and this event will celebrate his contributions to the world of literature.

Finally, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has provided a platform for writers, scholars, critics, and admirers of Chinua Achebe to celebrate his life and works. The event promises to be a moment of reflection, celebration, and appreciation for one of Africa’s most iconic writers.