Literary icon, Elechi Amadi, is dead

Popular Nigerian author, Capt. Elechi Amadi, has died aged 82.

Amadi, who wrote famous books like The Concubine, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, andPeppersoup and The Road to Ibadan, died at about 3:15pm on Wednesday, about a week after he became ill.

A close confidant to the literary icon told our correspondent that the deceased was billed to be at Wednesday’s annual book reading programme organised in Port Harcourt by Total Exploration and Production, but could not make it as a result of his ill health.

His wife, Preye, represented him at the event.

It was gathered that the Rivers State Government had concluded plans to fly the late Amadi abroad for proper treatment before he died.

Born on May 12, 1934 in Aluu in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Elechi Amadi attended Government College, Umuahia (1948–52), Survey School, Oyo (1953–54), and the University of Ibadan (1955–59), where he obtained a degree in Physics and Mathematics.

He worked as a land surveyor at a time and later was a teacher at several schools, including the Nigerian Military School, Zaria (1963–66).

Amadi served in the Nigerian army, remained there during the Nigerian Civil War, and retired at the rank of Captain.

He then held various positions with the Rivers State Government Permanent Secretary (1973–83), Commissioner for Education (1987–88) and Commissioner for Lands and Housing (1989–90).

Amadi’s close confidant told our correspondent that the 82-year-old late author’s remains had been moved to the Ashes-to-Ashes mortuary in Port Harcourt.

Reacting to Amadi’s death, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s literary Icon, Captain Elechi Amadi, describing his passage as a loss to the country.

In a condolence message to the family, people of Rivers State and the entire country, Wike said Amadi’s contributions to the development of the nation were legendry.

He said that the late author’s literary works promoted Rivers State, the Niger Delta and the country, hence he will be celebrated by Rivers State and all lovers of literature across the country.

Wike prayed God to grant his immediate family the strength to bear the irreparable loss, pointing out that his achievements in different areas of national life will always be remembered.

Punch