Elechi Amadi, one of Nigeria’s literary icons just passed on but he will be remembered for being so much more than a writer.
Nigeria is really blessed to have been the home country of Elechi Amadi, who was born in Aluu, Rivers state on May 12, 1934.
This genius writer didn’t have a degree in Literature or Arts, rather he was a trained scientist who earned a degree in Physics and Mathematics from University College, Ibadan.
However, while studying at the university, Elechi’s talent came to the surface during the times he contributed to the English department and students magazine, The Horn.
He dabbled in surveying and even taught science for a while before joining the Army and serving as captain between 1963 and 1966.
Taking his Army career further, he joined the Marine Commandos in 1968 after his first novel, The Concubine, was published in 1966.
Being a man driven to serve, he worked at different levels of government in Rivers state until 1990.
While helping in the development of his state, he still blessed Nigerians with plays and documented his experience during the war in his autobiography, Sunset in Biafra.
After his marriage to Priscilla Iyalla in 1991, he spent the rest of his days teaching and writing until his death on June 29.
