OKARA: IYC Mourns, Describes Legendary Poet As Beacon Of Hope

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide under the leadership of Oweilaemi Roland Pereotubo mourn the painful demise of our legendary literary icon, Pa. Gabriel Okara.

A statement signed by the National President, Ijaw Youth Council ((IYC), Pereotubo Roland Oweilaemi, and made available to our correspondent Wednesday lament the demise of the literary Icon.

"Our father and hero of modern literary genre was not only a source of inspiration to the retinue of young literary activists in today's contemporary Nigeria but also, the splendour of his mastery works have over the years, defined literary evolution in the African continent.

"Indeed, the Ijaw nation in particular and the Nigerian federation at large have lost an iroko tree of an inestimable value. Though he lives on as his prodigious works will continue to ring his name in the minds of humanity at the sands of times, his demise is one that can never be replaced.

"The Ijaw nation hereby joins the people and Government of Bayelsa State to mourn our departed pundit. We pray for the eternal rest of the departed soul. Our prayers are to the immediate family of the literary icon and the Ijaw nation in general. May God Almighty grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss", the release stated.