Marking a historic milestone for Nigerian literature and cultural heritage, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) on Thursday, celebrated the induction of Christopher Okigbo’s literary archives into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
Okigbo, described by Britannica as one of Africa’s most prominent and widely anthologised poets, died during the Nigerian Civil War.
Among his notable works is Siren, a poem that weaves African and European literary traditions. Structured in four distinct parts, it explores themes of identity, artistic struggle, and the complexities of the poet’s journey.
Speaking at the event, NCAC Director-General Mr Obi Asika said the recognition serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Nigerian poets, authors, and cultural pioneers.
“This milestone underscores the importance of literature in preserving identity, promoting cultural dialogue, and advancing collective memory.
”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, while ensuring his words endure for generations to come,” he said.
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Asika noted that Okigbo’s induction affirms the global significance of his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest literary voices.
Okigbo first received this distinction in 2007, when his manuscripts, letters, photographs, and unpublished works were inscribed as part of humanity’s collective heritage, making him the first Nigerian and the first African to be so honoured.
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) stressed that the recognition marks the first time a Nigerian literary figure has achieved this level of international heritage acknowledgment, representing a major milestone for the country’s cultural representation on the global stage.
Okigbo remains celebrated as an outstanding African poet and a leading modernist writer of the 20th century.