Abuja, Nigeria — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and other prominent Nigerians gathered in Abuja to pay tribute to the late distinguished Nigerian poet, Christopher Okigbo.
Okigbo is celebrated as one of the greatest Anglophone post-colonial and modernist African poets of the 20th century. The commemorative event, titled “The Importance of Christopher Okigbo’s Nomination into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage and Literary History,” highlighted his significant contributions to literature.
Ifeanyi Ajagbo, UNESCO’s representative in Nigeria, praised Okigbo as a world-class artist whose poetic works combine Western literary traditions with rich Igbo mythology, imprinting an enduring mark on Africa and the world. In 2007, UNESCO officially inscribed his works into its Memory of the World Register, recognizing their global value.
Obiagali Okigbo, founder of the Christopher Okigbo Foundation, explained that inclusion in this register safeguards documentary heritage worldwide, noting only 5% of the items inscribed are from Africa, with Okigbo’s collection uniquely representing an individual African artist.
Senator Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, reaffirmed Okigbo’s enduring influence, stating, “Okigbo is not dead. Writers have no caskets—because writers are prophets. And prophets don’t die.”
Prof. Ikey Ikechukwu of Development Specs Academy emphasized that the recognition enhances Okigbo’s stature and inspires ongoing cultural scholarship and creative engagement.
The event reaffirmed Okigbo’s lasting impact on Nigerian and global literary history and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
By Enoch Odesola | September 1, 2025
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