Ejiro Efenudu
Gentle rains fell over Enugu this morning as the Things Fall Apart Festival Village officially opened at the Centre for Memories — Ncheta Ndigbo, marking the start of a weeklong celebration of the 67th anniversary of Chinua Achebe’s literary masterpiece, Things Fall Apart.
The rains, seen in Ụmụọfia as a symbol of blessing and favour from the earth goddess Anị, welcomed guests to the grand opening of the Things Fall Apart Village at the Centre for Memories in Enugu , it also set the tone for a week of guided tours, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, music, dance, craft exhibitions, indigenous food fairs, and other activities celebrating Igbo heritage. Organizers say the showers are a sign of new beginnings, much like the rains that fell in the final days of Okonkwo’s exile in Achebe’s novel.
The festival village was declared open by Chief Ben Etiaba FCA, Ifennia Nnewi, who served as Chairman of the Opening Ceremony. He was joined by Dr. Ikechukwu Erojikwe and other notable guests and visitors, all gathered to mark the beginning of a weeklong celebration honoring Chinua Achebe’s literary masterpiece, Things Fall Apart, which turns 67 this year.
The festival runs from June 29 to July 6, 2025, with daily events from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Centre for Memories, 2 Awgu Street, Off Umuoji Street, Independence Layout, Enugu. Organizers invite the public to register and join in honouring Achebe’s work and the cultural richness of Ụmụọfia.
