Skip to main content

Elechi Amadi; A Tribute

• Captain Elechi Amadi

• Captain Elechi Amadi

Wale Okediran.

Although I had met him early in life through his books, my first encounter with Captain Elechi Amadi (Retd) was in the late 80s through the Association Of Nigerian Authors (ANA) which I joined after qualifying as a Medical Doctor in 1980.

Coming from a purely science background like the late accomplished writer, it was Amadi and some other literary icons of his generation who warmly welcomed me into the fold of writers and made my literary take off a very smooth one.

Apart from his writing, Elechi Amadi soon became a regular face at ANA Conventions where his wealth of experience and literary acumen were found very useful in a body of writers known for its sometimes restive membership. I could recollect that as far back as the 90’s, Amadi had advised the ANA to consider the Private Public Partnership (PPP) option in developing her landed property in Abuja in view of the Association’s inadequate financial and professional expertise to handle the project on its own.

Regrettably, his words of wisdom as an experienced Land Surveyor went unheeded for many years leading to massive loss of some of the property.

It was only in 2014 under the leadership of Remi Raji as ANA President that ANA finally freed itself from the grips of those who had been holding it back, heeded Elechi Amadi’s golden advice and finally commenced the development of the long forgotten but now decimated ANA Land through the PPP option.

As a regular visitor to Port Harcourt since 1990 when I became ANA’s National Treasurer on to my tenure as ANA’s National President between 2005 to 2008 and even beyond, Elechi Amadi and his charming wife, Preye became close friends, hosts and fountains of wisdom for me anytime I was in the ‘Garden City’.

I could still recollect a memorable visit to the family house in Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State during the celebration of one of his birthdays. After a delicious breakfast of boiled yam and palm oil in the bucolic environs of his home village, we were treated to a commemorative traditional wrestling competition amidst gaily dressed dancers and drummers.

Elechi Amadi’s versatility was indisputable. He was a Mathematician, Physicist, Surveyor, Soldier, Novelist, Poet as well as an accomplished Play Wright. His evergreen play, THE WOMAN OF CALABAR, a whimsical allegory to the ‘romantic prowess’ of a Calabar woman has continued to draw rave reviews years after its original appearance.

And even though Elechi Amadi lived a fulfilled life, I am still writing this Tribute with sadness over the loss of a good man, a mentor, an elegant writer, a wonderful friend who supported his family, friends and colleagues over the years with his gentle and caring nature.

Elechi Amadi had a gift of innovative thinking, a visionary spirit, and tenacious patience- ingredients that made him succeed in his various areas of human endeavors as a successful manager of men and events. He never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that will surely be missed.

I consider it a privilege to have been a part of Elechi Amadi’s life. I commiserate with Dr (Mrs) Preye Amadi and the family on the departure of their loving husband, father and grandfather who was our friend and mentor.

May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace. Amen.

Wale Okediran

National President, Association Of Nigerian Authors (2005-2008)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Houthis Claim Attack on Central Israel in Response to Gaza ‘Massacres’

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a concerning regional turn as the Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for an attack on central Israel. The group announced this as part of their escalating response to what they describe as "massacres" in Gaza amid the Israeli military’s operations in the strip. Details of the Attack The Houthis, a Shiite militant group with ties to Iran, declared that they launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel. While the exact impact of these attacks remains unclear, reports suggest that Israel’s defense systems intercepted several threats over its airspace. This marks a significant escalation as the Houthis widen their involvement in the conflict beyond their typical operations within Yemen and neighboring Saudi Arabia. The Houthis’ Justification In their statement, the Houthis framed the attack as retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which they characterized as indiscriminate bombings resultin...

Fire: UniJos Senate convenes emergency meeting on Monday

Fire at the University of Jos Library University of Jos is to convene an emergency senate meeting on Monday to review the level of damage done to the institution by the Saturday night inferno. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, disclosed this on Sunday after inspecting areas affected by the incident. The fire, which lasted for more than six hours, destroyed the Library Complex that equally houses the faculties of management and social sciences. The fire also destroyed examination scripts, books and very crucial materials. Consequently, the vice-chancellor said “the Senate will meet tomorrow (Monday) to take a decision about the unmarked examination scripts that were burnt.” On the cause of the inferno, Maimako said investigation had commenced, adding that “nothing has been confirmed yet. We are still investigating.” The vice chancellor said the school was already working with federal authorities toward establishing a main fire station since the mini fire station in t...

NDLEA arrests 252 suspects, seizes 3,073 kg Indian hemp

NDLEA operatives The NDLEA in Niger on Monday said that it had arrested 252 suspects and seized 3,073.9 kilogramme of Indian hemp(cannabis sativa) in the state. The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Joseph Iweajunwa, who disclosed this in Minna, said that the operations were carried out between January and September. “Our operations in Niger State from January to September 2016 led to the arrest of 252 suspects and seizure of 3,073.997 kilogramme of cannabis sativa,’’ he said. Iweajunwa said that within the period, the agency also seized 1, 530 litres of liquid drugs, especially cough syrup with codeine. He said the NDLEA also counselled and rehabilitated 90 drug addicts in the state within the period under review. The agency, he added, secured convictions of only nine of the suspects because the judge at the Federal High Court, Minna, went on leave. “ Now that the judge has resumed more suspects will be tried,’’ he said. He advised motorists, especially commercial vehicle dri...