Governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has officially rebranded the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport as the Chinua Achebe International Passenger and Cargo Airport.
This significant change was conveyed through a widely circulated WhatsApp message issued by Governor Soludo’s New Media Aide, Mazi Ejimofor.
The airport’s renaming has drawn attention to its origins, as it was constructed during the later stages of the previous administration led by Chief Willie Obiano. It stands as one of the most substantial legacies of his tenure, but this transition has sparked debates and divided supporters of both governors.
Professor Soludo had hinted that the state planned to rename the Anambra International Covention Centre, Awka, another Obiano legacy after Governor Obiano. While speaking at the Anambra Investment Summit held in September 2023, Governor Soludo said that he was yet to discuss the proposed name change with his predecessor.
Those privy to conversations which ensued between Governor Soludo and Governor Obiano following this public announcement said that Governor Obiano declined the offer to rename the convention center after him. Many have argued that renaming the airport after him would have been more appropriate.
Ogidi, Anambra state-born Late Professor Chinua Achebe is one of Anambra’s prominent sons and wrote the book Things Fall Apart which has been translated into so many languages.
