Africa’s literary community lost a respected member, Captain Elechi Amadi, who passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at about 3.45pm in Port Harcourt.
One of Africa’s finest novelists, poet and dramatist Captain Elechi Amadi died Wednesday at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82.
A relative, Mr. Bar Wabueze Amadi, confirmed the passing of the literary icon to journalists. He said that Captain Amadi, a poet, novelists, and dramatist died at the Good Heart Hospital in the capital of Rivers State.
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 Calabar.
Elechi was born on May 12, 1934 in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area. He attended Government college , Umuahia and went to the University College, Ibadan where he obtained a bachelors degree in physics and mathematics.
Captain Elechi is a former soldier who served in the 3rd Marine Commandos of the Nigerian Army. He was also pioneer commissioner for education in the old Rivers State and also served as commissioner for lands and housing.
A fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education and a member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Captain Elechi was was awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the University of Port Harcourt in 2011.
He retired to his home community of Aluu, where he lived until his death.
