Award-winning writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie honoured actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, during the Things Fall Apart Festival held in Enugu.
Chimamanda called the actor on stage while delivering her keynote speech, praising him as a cultural icon whose work has had significant impact on Nigerians.
A video from the event making rounds on Tuesday shows both figures sharing a warm moment that has since gone viral on social media.
She referred to Nkem Owoh as “the great Osuofia,” with the audience applauding in admiration.
“This man is an icon for us. I’m his biggest fan,” she added.
The event, held in celebration of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, was organised by the Centre for Memories in partnership with the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), iTour Africa, and the National Council for Arts and Culture.
During the festival, Chimamanda was honoured with an honorary fellowship from ATPN for her contribution to promoting Nigerian culture through literature.
In her speech, the Half of a Yellow Sun author urged the Igbo people to reflect and unite for progress.
“Ndigbo k’anyi tetalu n’ura. Let us wake up,” she said. “Before we can truly challenge external forces, we must first clean house.”
She also called on Igbo political leaders to set aside party differences and work together for the advancement of their people.
Chimamanda warned against the loss of Igbo language and names, expressing concern over the growing preference for Western names and identities.
The highlight of the evening for many was the meeting of two cultural giants on stage, representing the literary and film sectors, in honour of Achebe’s legacy.
