The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Christopher Okigbo Foundation, celebrated the induction of Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo’s archives into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
In 2007, Okigbo made history as the first Nigerian and the first African to attain this prestigious recognition, with his manuscripts, letters, photographs, and unpublished works being recorded as vital assets of humanity’s collective heritage.
Notably, Okigbo holds the distinction of being the only individual artist from the African continent recognised in this manner. This accolade underscores the global importance of one of Nigeria’s foremost literary figures, whose poetry masterfully integrates Igbo spirituality with modernist innovation and continues to resonate worldwide.
During the event at the United Nations House in Abuja, Ifeanyi Ajaegbo, representative of UNESCO Nigeria, emphasised that Okigbo’s poetry known for its richness, symbolism, and introspection challenges traditional norms while capturing the intricate dynamics of identity, nationhood, and transcendence.
Ajaegbo highlighted works such as Heavensgate, Limits, and Labyrinths with Path of Thunder transcend mere poetic expression; they serve as profound reflections on existence, resilience, and the human spirit. Okigbo’s legacy is multifaceted encompassing literary, cultural, political, and deeply personal dimensions.
He remarked, “As we gather here today, let us appreciate the influential power of words to shape history, preserve memory, and inspire transformation. We commend the Christopher Okigbo Foundation for its relentless dedication to safeguarding and sharing his legacy and for uniting us in this moment of recognition and honour.”
The keynote speaker, Professor Okey Ikechukwu, reiterated Okigbo’s inclusion as solidifying his status as a national icon but also elevates him as a significant figure in global literature.
He pointed out that Okigbo, celebrated as Africa’s most original modernist poet, catalyses cultural engagement, encouraging further cultural initiatives and discussions.
Ikechukwu expressed hope that this recognition will inspire future generations, motivating publishers, scholars, and artists to delve deeper into Okigbo’s works and legacy.
He also lauded the Okigbo Foundation, particularly Obiageli, his daughter, for her crucial role in achieving this UNESCO recognition, which marks a pivotal moment for the enhanced promotion of Okigbo’s literary heritage through diverse cultural programs.
“This recognition functions as a form of cultural continuity, reinforcing the connection of contemporary and future Nigerians to their artistic and intellectual roots in an ever-evolving world. It represents cultural preservation, national pride, scholarly inquiry, and creative inspiration. This honour cements Okigbo’s legacy within global archives, fostering active cultural participation in Nigeria and ensuring that his visionary literary voice continues to resonate through time,” he stated.
The host, Founder and CEO of the Christopher Okigbo Foundation, Obiageli, highlighted the pressing need to preserve these important inscriptions, noting that without professional intervention, they faced risks of disintegration due to environmental factors.
In 2019, she explained that the Foundation discovered that 60 per cent of the collection was in critical condition and subsequently entrusted it to the Harry Ransom Centre at the University of Texas at Austin, USA, an institution renowned for the preservation of at-risk documentary heritage.
She added that many of these documents are essential for understanding the complexities of Nigerian postcolonial history, politics, and artistic evolution, particularly concerning the crises of 1962-66, the rise of Biafra in 1967, and the ensuing civil war from 1967-70.
She explained, “the collection has already provided us with new insights into the poet’s oeuvre. The unpublished poems, letters, and notes within the archive are invaluable resources for researchers who aspire to explore fresh perspectives in Okigbo scholarship, allowing us to reinterpret a fragmented past while connecting it to the dynamic present and paving the way for future explorations.”
