‘I Am the First Woman In My Hometown To Be Made A Chief, Both Genders Should Be Equally Celebrated’ – Chimamanda Adichie

Chimamanda Adichie, a well-known author, recently announced that she is the first woman to receive a Chieftaincy title in her community. She also asked cultural keepers to make sure that both genders are fairly honoured.

Adichie, who is from the Anambra State town of Abba, was given the honorific title of “Odeluwa Abba.” Among other dignitaries, Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, attended the occasion.

Adichie expressed gratitude to those who had stood by her during the chieftaincy ceremony on Wednesday and expressed hope that other talented women in their chosen fields would benefit from her position.

“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,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

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