Five Years On: NUJ Decries Dwindling Literacy Culture, AsScholars, Leaders Honour Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike’s Legacy
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka
Media Experts, Scholars in education, literature and traditional institutions as well as Industrialists last week gathered in Awka at the Prof Kenneth Dike state Library to mark the fifth memorial lecture in honour of His Majesty Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, renowned novelist, administrator and traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The memorial event was organised by the Nigerian Book Foundation (NBF) in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Education, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Anambra State Chapter and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,
NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, expressed concern over the dwindling reading culture among students in the digital age. He urged young people to return to printed books, stating that reading hard copies helps with comprehension and critical thinking.
He reminded that journalists have made the memorial in honour of late Prof Chukwuemeka Ike outstanding sequel to publicity support and engagement, urging for more immortalization of late Eze Ike by institutions and government.
Earlier on her opening remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics of Paul University, Awka, and Co-President of the Nigerian Book Foundation, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, said the memorial lecture serves to honour Prof. Ike’s legacy as both a scholar and traditional ruler.
She encouraged all partners to continue to push until the good desires of late Prof Ike as annunciated in his works for a better society becomes a culture in our clime.
Delivering her address, the Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described Prof. Ike as a literary icon who used his works to safeguard traditional Igbo values. She particularly commended his novel Expo 77 for its satirical exposure of corruption in the Nigeria education sector. She noted that Ike was among the few who boldly documented the experiences of the Igbo during the Nigerian civil war.
In his keynote address titled “Chukwuemeka Ike: The Last of the Old Sentinels,” Prof. Chike Okoye, a professor of Poetry and Post-Colonial Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, described Ike as “a colossus and a custodian of culture.” He highlighted the late author’s role in teaching creative writing at the University of Jos and praised his numerous novels, including Sunset at Dawn, Toads for Supper, The Naked Gods, and The Chicken Chasers, for their deep societal relevance.
Meanwhile , the former Anambra State Governor and Presidential candidate of Labour party in the last election, Mr. Peter Obi, has emphasised the central role of education in societal advancement. He encouraged students to emulate Prof. Ike’s life and draw lessons from his literary contributions.
Represented by Barr. Dr. Valentine Obienyem, his Media Advisor, Mr Obi encouraged students to strive to leave legacies in whatever they do in life as late Ike is remembered by his legacies.
The chairman of the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka who was excited over the honour being given late Eze Ike and Chief Ebuka Onunkwo of Seahorse Lubricants Industries limited who donated Two Million to support the teaching and conferences on the legacies of late Prof Ike, even as he encouraged hard working and improved reading culture amongst students.
The event was attended by many dignitaries especially traditional rulers including the HRM Igwe Benneth Emeka of Umueri,Igwe Dr B.O. Okeji of Omasi , Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna mentees led by Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu, other lecturers, students and members of the literary community.
