The National Council for Arts and Culture on Thursday celebrated the induction of Christopher Okigbo’s archives into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

Mr Okigbo, one of the best and most widely anthologised African poets (Britannica), died fighting for the independence of Biafra.

His notable poem ‘Siren’ intertwines African and European literary traditions. The poem is structured into four distinct parts, each exploring themes of identity, artistic struggle, and the complexities of the poet’s journey.

The director-general of NCAC, Obi Asika, said that the milestone serves as an inspiration to the next generation of Nigerian poets, authors, and cultural pioneers.

The event underscores the importance of literature in preserving identity, promoting cultural dialogue, and advancing collective memory.

Mr Asika said, “The NCAC celebrates Christopher Okigbo not only as a national treasure but also as a symbol of Africa’s enduring contribution to world literature and culture.

“This recognition immortalises a writer, tragically lost in the civil war but ensures that his words will endure for generations to come.”

He said that Mr Okigbo’s induction upholds one of Nigeria’s literary voices that subsists to inspire the world.

“In 2007, Okigbo became the first Nigerian and the first African to receive this distinction, with his manuscripts, letters, photographs, and unpublished works inscribed as part of humanity’s collective heritage.

“This honour affirms the global significance of one of Nigeria’s greatest literary voices, whose poetry fused Igbo spirituality with modernist brilliance and continues to inspire the world,” he said.

Mr Okigbo’s induction marks the first time a Nigerian literary figure has achieved this level of international heritage recognition, serving as a significant milestone for Nigerian cultural representation on the global stage.

He is also acknowledged as an outstanding African poet and one of the modernist writers of the 20th century.

(NAN)