The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Rivers State Branch, has celebrated the life and times of literary icon and alumnus of the university, Captain Elechi Amadi.
In a post- humous birthday celebration held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, members of the association described the late author as a gift to the nation and Ikwerre people.
Chairman of the branch, Professor Emmanuel Emasealu, said “Captain Elechi Amadi is an icon. A role model. Even in death, we honor him. We see him as somebody who never died. For me, Captain Elechi Amadi is the man who never died.
“His plays, his essays, his drama, his poetry, they all celebrate life. They all ask that we begin to respect ourselves. They ask for justice, communal development, collaboration and cooperation.”
Prof Emasealu added that Amadi’s works “are works that live forever. For me, Captain Dr. Elechi Amadi is the man who never died. The University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Rivers State Branch, is celebrating Captain Elechi Amadi, who died nine years ago because he contributed wonderfully to the growth and development of not just the Ikwerre land, but of Nigeria.
“He served as a public servant in Rivers State. He fought during the Nigerian Biafran Civil War. He wrote about the civil war, Sunset in Biafra. He was a man who can be aptly described as a visionary.
“He was a community man, a man who all through his life served his people. He was President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, the highest association in Ikwerre land”.
Prof Emasealu further noted that Amadi “was selfless, a man who served on the scholarship board, ensured that indigenees of this state were given scholarships to study.
“He has contributed in a phenomenal manner to the growth and development of Rivers State and to Nigeria.
“This is why he has been recognized by the Federal Government and given the honorary award of a member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR). Elechi Amadi will be remembered forever.”
The senator formerly representing Rivers East, Senator Andrew Uchendu, said Captain Elechi Amadi “meant a lot to a lot of people. As a typical Ikwerre man, he loved his people, he believed in justice, he fought for the emancipation of the oppressed.
“He was a great novelist, a great writer of international repute, he was a fighter on the Nigerian side during the civil war, and a distinguished leader of the people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality. He is always on our minds.”
Emeritus professors Winston Bell-Gam and Simeon Achinewhu described the late author as an iconic leader, mentor and great alumnus of the University of Ibadan.
His widow, Prof Priye Enemi Iyalla-Amadi in a tribute, described her late husband as her inspiration.
She wrote, “Nothing could compare with your heart. Woven from the gentlest of fabrics. Nothing could compare with your mind. Fashioned after the greatest things in creation. You are my inspiration.”
John Bibor