The Rivers State Government, led by Nyesom Wike, has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s literary Icon, Captain Elechi Amadi, describing his passage as a loss to the country.
Amadi, who wrote famous books like The Concubine, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Peppersoup and The Road to Ibadan, died at about 3:15pm on Wednesday, about a week after he became ill, aged 82.
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 adding that he will be celebrated by Rivers State and all lovers of literature across the country.
He prayed God to grant his immediate family the strength to bear the loss, pointing out that his achievements in different areas of national life will always be remembered.
Born on May 12, 1934 in Aluu in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, 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 was a teacher at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria from 1963–66.
Amadi who served in the Nigerian army, retired at the rank of Captain and held various positions with the Rivers State Government such as, Permanent Secretary (1973–83); Commissioner for Education (1987–88); and, Commissioner for Lands and Housing (1989–90).
