Professor Anezi Okoro: The Unsung Genius Finally Celebrated

The coal city state of Nigeria (Enugu) practically stood still on Thursday the 29^th 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.

Written and compiled by
Citizen (Dr) Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha, FCAI
President and facilitator
SLAP Initiative
Plot 98 Ikenegbu Layout Extension
Owerri – Imo State
07032934037
1^st November 2015
Addendum: SLAP Initiative is a leadership initiative based in Imo State and it stands for Safeguarding Leadership Accountability and Productivity