Elechi Amadi dies at 82...

 So sad to hear that,one of Africa’s finest novelist, poet and dramatist Captain Elechi Amadi has passed away. 

He died on Wednesday at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82.

The late Elechi Amadi was among the first generation of African writers and novelists. I read some of his books in Secondary School that year.I read 'The Concubine' i think in JS1 or 2. I read peppersoup in Js1. 

Some of his works include The Great Ponds, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Dance of Johannesburg,The Road to Ibadan, The Slave , Estrangement and the Woman of Calaber. 

He celebrated his 80th birthday in Port Harcourt, in 2014 releasing a souvenir edition of one of his plays, Isiburu to mark his 80th birthday. 

He was born on 12 May, 1934 in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area. He attended Government college , Umuahia and went to the University college, Ibadan where he bagged a BSc degree in Physics and Mathematics.

He served in the 3rd Marine Commandos of the Nigerian Army. 

He was first Commissioner for Education in the old Rivers state and also served as Commissioner for Lands and Housing He had several honours to his credit. 

He was Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education and a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

He was awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the University of Port Harcourt in 2011. 

He was abducted by unknown gunmen in 2008 and later released after some days in their custody. 

He lived in his community, Aluu until his death. 

Our thoughts and Prayers are with his Family. 

"May his soul find eternal rest in the Lord.”

Note to self;

Work so hard and leave your footprints in the sands of time.

Till the end of time his books would be read many other students. Nigerian School Curriculum will always make it a goal for students to them in English!

They might never meet Elechi Amadi but they'll need to read his book as a part of their growing stage...