Prof. Florence Orabueze, Director, Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has disclosed that the institute would be presenting the 4th Chinua Achebe International memorial conference and the Achebe Award of Excellence, on Tuesday, March 9.
Orabueze, who made the disclosure, while briefing newsmen, on Wednesday, in Nsukka, said that the 3-day conference was being organised by the institute, in collaboration with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), in honour of the late writer.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the conference has as its theme: “Re-evaluation of African values in the face of the crisis of the 21st Century.”
The director said that the conference would bring together scholars and stakeholders from different parts of the country, to proffer solutions on crises in Africa, particularly the issue of insecurity in Nigeria.
” Achebe International Annual Conference has been an event which brings world class scholars and stakeholders together to examine and interrogate matters affecting Africa in all ramifications.
“This 4th edition of the conference will re-evaluate the state of African values and culture in the face of 21st century crisis in Africa.
” It will appraise vital aspects of African life that will be utilised as necessary tools needed for feeling the pulse of Nigerians and proffer necessary and effective solutions to those problems, ” she said.
She further said that participants would also brainstorm on the insecurity challenges facing the country and what could be done to end terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry and other violent crimes in the country.
According to the director, Chief Nna Nwodo, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, would be the keynote speaker, while Mr Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of House of Representative, would be the Guest Speaker.
Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano of Bayero University Kano, would present the lead paper, while Evangelist Samuel Onyishi, the Chief Executive Officer of Peace Mass Transit, would be the Chairman of the occasion.
The director also disclosed that; Sen Ibrahim Shekaru, former Governor of Kano State, Nwodo, Dogara, Onyishi and Prof Emeka Nwabueze, the immediate past director of the institute, would be among those that would receive Achebe award of excellence.
In a remark, Rev. Fr. Chidubem Nwaogaidu, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said measures had been put in place to ensure that the occasion complied with protocols and guidelines issued by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on COVID-19. (NAN)