‘I’m The First Woman In My Hometown To Be Made Chief’ – Chimamanda Adichie

Award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has taken to her social media handle to disclose that she is the first woman in her hometown to bag a chieftaincy  title in Anambra State.

Recall that Chimamanda on Friday, was honored with the title of Odeluwa, interpreted to mean; the writer of global acclaim in Abba hometown

Taking to her Instagram page on Wednesday, January 4, 2022, the renowned author expressed appreciation to the residents of Anambra and to the traditional monarch, Igwe Ezeh for the achievement.

According to the author, her father also received a similar title, however, she is the first woman to be conferred with a chieftaincy title in her hometown and it gives her great joy that more women will follow.

She wrote: “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”