By: Admin
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the passage of the renowned poet, novelist and playwright, Gabriel Okara, aged 97.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Monday, the president extended his condolences to the Okara family.
President Buhari also condoled with the government and people of Bayelsa, the literary community and all who drank from the writer’s fountain of knowledge.
The President believed that Okara, who was deservedly known as the ‘‘founder of Modern African literature’’ would be fondly remembered for his immense contributions to the development of African literature, drawing on experience from his native Ijaw language.
The President extolled the “great story-teller whose powerful use of imagery and symbolism in his literary writings helped the world to appreciate and understand the richness, complexities and uniqueness of the African heritage and culture.’’
President Buhari prayed Almighty God to grant the soul of the departed writer peaceful repose and comfort all who mourned him.
Similarly, Nigeria’s immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the people and government of Bayelsa State as well as the literary world over the death of foremost poet and novelist, Pa Gabriel Imomotimi Okara, who died on Monday at the age of 97.
In a message of condolence he personally signed, Dr. Jonathan described the exit of the literary giant as a colossal loss to the Ijaw nation, the country and the African literary community.
A statement by his media aide, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, noted that the former President further extolled Pa Gabriel Okara as a great man of arts and wit, whose legacies permeated the field of humanities and statesmanship.
It said: “The death of a loved one, no matter his age, brings grief to our heart and tears in our eyes, but we must take solace in the fact that Pa. Okara lived a long and glorious life.
“He was a pioneer voice in modern African literature, a consummate journalist, a seasoned administrator and a statesman who lived a life worthy of emulation.”
The ex-President prayed God to bless members of the Okara family, and grant them the fortitude to bear his exit.
