Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Advocates for Igbo Unity at Literature Festival

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie delivered a poignant keynote address at the inaugural Things Fall Apart festival in Enugu, Nigeria, on July 9, 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for unity among the Igbo people. This festival, celebrating the 67th anniversary of Chinua Achebe's seminal novel, marks a significant cultural moment amidst rising separatist violence in the region.

Adichie, renowned for her literary contributions and advocacy for cultural preservation, lamented the erosion of traditional values and the growing violence attributed to separatist movements and ritual killings. "It’s always a homecoming when I return to the south-east, but it no longer feels like home – the calm, the warmth, the essence seems to have faded," she stated, reflecting on the current socio-political climate that has seen over 700 deaths linked to clashes between separatists and Nigerian security forces over the past four years.

The festival, organized by the Centre for Memories, aims to revive the themes of Achebe's work, which critiques colonialism and cultural disintegration. Iheanyi Igboko, executive director of the Centre, articulated the festival's importance, stating, "Things Fall Apart is not just a book; it is a mirror, a declaration of identity, and a provocation that still challenges us today."

During her address, Adichie urged the Igbo community to confront internal issues before attributing blame to external political marginalization. She called for a collective awakening, stating, "Let us wake up. While political marginalization exists, we must pause that conversation until we have cleaned our own house. We must unite. Unity doesn’t mean the absence of differences – it is the decision to come together despite them."

The festival featured reimagined aspects of Achebe's fictional village, Umuofia, including theatrical performances and cultural displays. It served as a platform for writers and artists to engage with themes of identity and heritage. Attendees, including renowned Nollywood actors and local artisans, echoed the festival's call to preserve Igbo culture.

Adichie’s speech highlighted the increasing disregard for life and community values among the Igbo, particularly noting the heinous trend of ritual killings that predominantly affect women. She asserted, "In Igbo culture, nothing is more sacred than life itself, as Things Fall Apart teaches us. We are participating in our own destruction."

The week-long festival, which commenced on June 29, not only celebrated Achebe's literary legacy but also aimed to inspire a younger generation to reclaim their cultural narratives. Janeth Sule, a banker who attended the festival, remarked, "It was a reminder to preserve culture and tell our stories."

As the Igbo people navigate these turbulent times, Adichie’s call for unity and cultural preservation resonates deeply. The implications of her message extend beyond literature, touching on the core of Igbo identity and the urgent need for collective action against violence and cultural erosion. The festival thus stands as a crucial moment of reflection and solidarity in the face of ongoing challenges.