Ex-Gov Obi, Others Mourn Late Nzekwu

The people of Anambra State have continued to express shock over the death of the first General Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chief Onuorah Nzekwu, aged 89.
Those who spoke with NAN in separate interviews weekend described late Nzekwu, author of “Eze Goes To School,” as an icon whose book will always speak for him.
In his reaction, the former governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi described the death of Nzekwu as one of those deaths that force the society to reflect about her progress.
In a telephone conversation from the USA, Obi said that not even death could erode the memories of such men from the consciousness of the people.
“Nzekwu was a literary icon whose book, ‘Eze Goes To School’ was a delight to read not just for its literary credentials, but also for its didactic tune.
“Rather than mourn for such people that died in the amplitude of literary achievement, his death should once again awaken in us the urge to contribute to literary awakening being championed by the likes of Chimamanda,” Obi said.
The former governor expressed hope that his death would inspire many young Nigerians to follow his footsteps by living lives that would contribute to the advancement of civilisation.
On his part, former Ohaneze Ndigbo President, Dr Dozie Ikedife said Nzekwu was a good Nigerian, a great author, thinker, broadcaster and communicator.
Ikedife described Nzekwu as a true Nigerian full of life, zeal, patriotism and a humorous man, who found humour even in every bad circumstance.
“He belonged to the great generation of Nigerian thinkers and writers; it is a pity he is gone with his sense of humour,” Ikedife said.
Also speaking, Prof. Joy Eyisi of the English Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka expressed shock at the sad news, describing Nzekwu’s demise as a “painful loss” to Nigerian writers.
“We have lost an icon as far as literature is concerned; everyone, who has read his work, knows he is a writer per excellence.
“I read “Eze Goes To School” when I was in the secondary school; it is a book every reader should be proud of.
“It is a book that emphasises the beauty of education and I would want Nigerians to imbibe the lessons within the content of the novel,” the professor of English said.
For Mr Arthur Obi-Okafor, SAN, Nzekwu touched the lives of so many people, especially those he never met.
“His book reminisce the history and development in this part of the country where infrastructural development was low.
“Parents experienced paucity of funds yet they were still able to send their wards to school and expected them to become future leaders.
“Nigerians, especially the younger ones, should strive to leave an indelible contribution in our march to socio-economic development of our dear country,” Obi-Okafor added.
Nzekwu, who served as General Manager of NAN from 1979 to 1985 died by 4.30p.m on Friday in his home in Onitsha, Anambra, where he had been living since he retired.
Besides “Eze Goes To School”, the late literary icon also wrote “Troubled Dust,” a novel that recounts the experiences of the civil war.