LITERARY ICON: Elechi Amadi Is Dead at 82

The Literary world in Nigeria and beyond has been thrown into mourning following the death one of Africa’s finest novelist, poet and dramatist Captain Elechi Amadi, who died on Wednesday at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82.

A member of the family , Bar Wabueze Amadi, confirmed the development to the Vanguard newspaper on phone, saying he passed on at about 3: 45pm at the hospital.

The late captain Elechi Amadi was among the first generation of African writers and novelists.

Some of his works include The Concubine, The Great Ponds, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Dance of Johannesburg, Peppersoup, 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.
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