The coal city state of Nigeria (Enugu) practically stood still on
Thursday the 29th of October 2015 as all socio-political, economic and
religious activities gave way, as a mark of honour, to the man of the
moment whose contributions to the growth of humanity, especially in
the field of education, is yet to be equaled in the country by
anybody.
The Enugu State Government in conjunction with COAL CITY LITERARY
FORUM (CCLF) Enugu honoured and celebrated a man who has influenced
lives, shaped destinies and impacted on many lives through creative
writings and whose communicative abilities are vividly down to earth
and descriptively impacting with touches that have remained evergreen.
The venue of the occasion was at the popular OFUOBI AFRICA CENTRE,
Independence layout, Enugu. The facility could not contain the large
number of people who came to honour and indeed celebrate Professor
Anezionwu Nwankwo Okoro, to the extent that “grasses suffered untold
hardship”.
It should be recalled that this writer had few weeks ago, through a
well publicized article entitled, “PROFESSOR ANEZI OKORO: THE UNSUNG
AND FORGOTTEN GENIUS “, informed the reading public of the evergreen
contributions of Professor Anezi Okoro to the development, growth and
advancement of humanity especially in the field of education
vis-à-vis, through his numerous English Literature books, through his
various published Medical text books, through many academic papers he
has presented at several seminars and workshops, through his Advisory
roles in the various sectors of the economy in the country, through
his lecturing jobs in many Universities across the globe, and others
too numerous to mention. However, despite Professor Anezi Okoro’s
monumental and indelible contributions, he remained unsung and perhaps
forgotten, before the COAL CITY LITERARY FORUM, Enugu and the Enugu
State Government came into the picture.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former Union
Bank Plc Chairman, Elder Kalu U. Kalu eulogized Professor Anezi Okoro
for his efforts and contributions to the socio-political, economic and
academic developments of the country; describing him as an asset who
used his youthful and adult life to impact positively on the well
being of Nigerians in particular and people across the globe in
general. Elder Kalu enjoined Nigerians to emulate Professor Anezi
Okoro’s Spirit of Patriotism.
In her welcome address, the President of Coal City Literary Forum,
Mrs. Adaobi Nwoye thanked the Enugu State Government for partnering
with the literary forum to honor Professor Anezi Okoro. She however
expressed dismay at the decline on the reading culture of the people
of South East, stressing the need on why people should go back to
their books again. She praised Professors Anezi Okoro’s efforts and
ingenuity through his numerous books, in inculcating young people with
the love and appetite for reading, which has in no small measures
helped in shaping the destinies of many people across the globe.
The key note address was delivered by Professor Chinedum Nebo, the
former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and
Immediate Past Minister of Power. He spoke on the topic, “THE GOOD
SAMARITAN”. Professor Nebo used the story of the Good Samaritan as was
written in the Bible in St. Luke gospel Chapter 10 from verse 30 to 37
to prove Professor Anezi Okoro’s undiluted love for humanity, which
made him to dedicate and devote his whole life in its service through
his numerous works. The former minister eloquently urged all to
emulate the “good Samaritan spirit” of Professor Anezi Okoro by
engaging in selfless productive ventures and exploits that would
benefit the country in general; He thereafter called on the federal
government to immortalize the celebrant for his numerous contributions
to the nation.
Professor Anezi Okoro’s Citation was read by the Secretary of the
organizing committee, Mrs. Chinemerem Anyi, while Professor Damian
Okpata, Head of English and literary studies, University of Nigeria
Nsukka reviewed four out of his numerous books namely (1) One Week One
Trouble (2) Double Trouble (3) The Village Headmaster and (4) The
Village School.
The grand finale of the event was when the 86 years old Professor was
decorated and his numerous books unveiled. Former President Olusegun
Obasanjo as the father of the day was represented by His Royal
Highness Eze Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzor (Chairman, Enugu State
Council of Traditional Rulers).
In his vote of thanks, Professor Anezi Okoro thanked all who came to
honour and celebrate him. He however advised Nigerians to be selfless,
efficient and patriotic in all their lives pursuits, assuring that the
Good Lord would bless their hands of labour. The Erudite Professor
also thanked Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, His Chief of
Staff, and the Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eze for
making the event a success.
Various cultural dance groups entertained the very large audience at
the occasion.
Among the Dignitaries that thronged the occasion include.
(1)Hundreds of Professors from Tertiary Institutions in the Country.
(2)Hundreds of undergraduate students of tertiary Institutions in the country
(3)Hundreds of students of various secondary schools in Enugu State.
(4)Hundreds of Primary School pupils in Enugu State
(5)Hundreds of Medical Doctors across the country.
(6)Various Non-Governmental Organisations.
(7)Members of Delta State Literary Forum led by its President, Mr. David Diar.
(8)Members of COAL City Literary Forum led by its President, Mrs. Adaobi Nwoye
(9)Representatives of various State Governments in the South-East.
The Imo State Government was represented by Dr. Kachi Nwoga.
(10)Traditional Rulers in Enugu State
(11)Group of Eminent Literary Professors led by Professor Chukwuemeka Ike.
By Dr Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha,
President and facilitator
SLAP Initiative