Three Lessons Achebe Taught Me
Chinua Achebe has been described as "the grandfather of
African fiction" who "lit up a path for many others." I met
this extraordinary Nigerian novelist, poet, and professor when I read his debut
novel, Things Fall Apart. The book was a compulsory literary text
in secondary school and has been translated into more than 50 languages. It has
sold over 8 million copies worldwide. According to Wikipedia, the book is the
most widely read book in modern African literature.
It is quite fascinating that Things Fall Apart and most
of Achebe's novels rely heavily on the Ibo tradition and the effect of
Christian influences on traditional African values during and after the
colonial era. He uses lots of Ibo folk stories and proverbs to tell his
stories. His success partly arose from his background, culture and environment.
Lesson One
Your culture and background
influence your thinking and views. Never despise your culture, instead, use it
to your advantage. Let it be what makes you different. Do not be ashamed to be
African or Nigerian.
**********
In 1948, Nigeria's first university opened. It was called University
College, (now the University of Ibadan), and was an associate college of
the University of London.
Achebe was admitted among the university's first intakes and given
a scholarship to study medicine. After a year of arduous work, he
changed his course of study to English, history, and theology. Because he
switched his field, however, he lost his scholarship and had to pay tuition
fees. His family donated money for him to continue his education.
Lesson Two
Never be afraid to follow
your passion, it eventually pays off. Even if the present seems daunting the
future is bright. Achebe wrote an African book in English when African
literature was barely recognized and English wasn’t a popular language for most
of the African writers at that time.
Like they say, follow and
work for your dreams to become your reality.
**********
Achebe has twice rejected the Nigerian government's attempt to name him
a Commander of the Federal Republic – a national honour – first in 2004, and
second in 2011. Achebe said, "For some time now, I have watched events in
Nigeria with alarm and dismay. I have watched particularly the chaos in my own
state of Anambra where a small clique of renegades, openly boasting its
connections in high places, seems determined to turn my homeland into a
bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. I am appalled by the brazenness of this clique
and the silence, if not connivance, of the presidency … Nigeria's condition
today under your watch is, however, too dangerous for silence. I must register
my disappointment and protest by declining to accept the high honour awarded me
in the 2004 honours list."
Lesson Three
Have values. Let people know you are worth their bet. In a society, like
ours, where thieves are celebrated, it is refreshing to know that a few people
still set good examples for the Nigerian youth and believe in taking the right
route to success.
Finally, for Nigeria to change I believe we all must imbibe the
principles of integrity, love for our nation and a desire to work hard to
achieve our individual dreams.
No government or person can stop the drive of a few passionate people
who are willing to stand for what they believe in.
Quitting is never an option.
Fight and keep fighting.
You are more than a conqueror.
Have a wonderful week.
J
Comments
Post a Comment