Award-winning Nigerian writer and novelist, Chimamanda Adichie has expressed her feelings towards the traditional chieftaincy title she was conferred on December 30, 2022.
Adichie was decorated with an Igbo chieftaincy title in her hometown, Abba, and she shared her pleasure at becoming the first female chief of the community in an Instagram post, in which she also expressed her gratitude for the people and traditional leaders of her hometown.
In her words, the writer said: “I am so grateful to my people of Abba in Anambra State for their warmth and love, for their enthusiastic support. And to Igwe L.N. Ezeh, who has always valued education, for giving me the title of “Odeluwa” — ‘the one who writes for the world.’ (My father received the title of “Odelora” — ‘the one who writes for the community” and the symbolism means very much to me.)
“I am the first woman in my hometown to be made a chief, and it makes me happy to know that more women will follow. Culture does not make people, people make culture. Cultures thrive when they best serve and reflect the people. Ours must become a culture that celebrates achievement, whether it comes from a man or a woman.
“It was a day filled with joyful moments but the highlight for me was the sight of many children on the dusty road, laughing and waving and shouting ‘Odeluwa!’ Amongst them, I hope, were little girls with their hearts full of dreams who feel encouraged to keep trying, to keep going,” the post concluded.
