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    Chinua Achebe

    Chinua Achebe

    Awards & Honours

    61

    Awards Won

    2

    Honours

    1

    Records

    Chinua Achebe's literary achievements are monumental. His debut novel, Things Fall Apart, is a cornerstone of world literature, having sold over 20 million copies and translated into more than 50 languages. He is credited with founding the modern African novel, and his works have been studied in schools and universities globally.His impact extends beyond fiction; his essays and poetry challenged colonial narratives and inspired generations of African writers. Awards like the Man Booker International Prize and over 20 honorary degrees recognize his profound influence on literature and thought.

    Chinua Achebe receiving an award

    Awards

    Honours & Distinctions

    Nigerian National Order of Merit

    Government of Nigeria·2002

    Nigeria's highest honour for intellectual achievement.

    UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador

    United Nations·1999

    Named goodwill ambassador to the world.

    Records & Feats

    Most widely read African novel

    Literary·1958

    Things Fall Apart has sold over 20 million copies and been translated into more than 50 languages.