The Anambra State Government has clarified that the statue of literary icon, Chinua Achebe, unveiled at Ugwu-Nwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, was conceived, funded and executed by the Ogidi Town Union, dismissing claims that it was a state government project.

The clarification followed widespread reactions on social media after Governor Chukwuma Soludo unveiled the sculpture on Saturday. While some praised the monument, others questioned its resemblance to the late author of Things Fall Apart and criticised its artistic interpretation.

Responding to the controversy in a statement released on Sunday, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Ejimofor Opara, said the project was initiated and financed entirely by Achebe’s home community.

He urged critics not to undermine what he described as a thoughtful initiative by the community.

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