Chinua Achebe Cultural Centre coming to Ogidi community

Plans have been concluded to build a world class heritage centre to be named ‘Chinua Achebe Cultural and Event Centre’ in Ogidi, hometown of one of Africa’s greatest writers, Chinua Achebe.

The traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alexander Onyido, Ezechuamagha 1, made the disclosure during the re-instatement and induction ceremony of Ogidi Social Club of Nigeria held at Ogidi Civic Centre in FESTAC Town, Lagos.

The club was set up primarily to promote love, unity and progress amongst the people.While addressing the indigenes at the event, the traditional ruler said the village’s cultural heritage is one of the priorities of the community.

At the colourful ceremony, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ogidi people of Anambra State, the club started afresh with reinstatement and induction of old and new members in Lagos after being moribund for almost 25 years.Patron and coordinator, Chief Obi Iloabachie, called the event an epoch-making one, adding, “today marks an important milestone in the history of Ogidi Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos branch, which was inducted on February 20, 1982. After the late Chief MKO Abiola political saga in 1993, the branch went comatose and remained in limbo, thereafter. Lagos branch is today reinvigorated with over 40 youthful new members. . We express our gratitude to God Almighty and to our Grand Patron, His Majesty, Igwe Uzo Onyido, who in spite of his tight schedule, came to grace this occasion.”

The Central Executive Committee of the club urged Ogidi people everywhere to resuscitate the club in their domains in the community’s interest, noting, “we use this opportunity to urge all other branches like Umuahia, Warri, and the ones in the North to emulate the example of the Lagos branch.

“We are coming to a stage when all the branches of the club in Nigeria and the Diaspora will join hands with the king, who has been doing well in directing the affairs of the town as regards Ogidi developmental projects for the benefit of our people at home.”The Chinua Achebe Cultural Centre will, among other things, serve as a resort and resource centre for knowledge and leisure.