Prof Anezi Okoro to establish research centre for albinism in Enugu

Renowned author and dermatologist, Prof Anezionwu Okoro, who turned 92 on Monday, has concluded plans to establish a research center on albinism and dermatology.

The dermatologist’s son, Mr Chukwuma Anezi-Okoro, made the disclosure in Enugu at an event to mark his father’s 92nd birthday in Enugu.

Anezi-Okoro said that the center which was 80 per cent completed, would support research on dermatology with special focus on albinism.

He said the center, named Prof Aneziokoro Research Foundation, would address skin challenges faced by albinos in sub Saharan Africa as well as other skin diseases.

According to him, it is the wish of my father to see the completion and opening of the centre before he joins his creator and I pray it comes to fruition.

Aneziokoro, a mechanical engineer, thanked friends and professional colleagues for celebrating his father at 92.

“You truly made daddy happy and because of you, Black Africa’s first dermatologist, Nigeria’s oldest literary icon, Emeritus Professor of Medicine and a most humble public servant shall no more be referred to as Nigeria’s unsung hero,”.

Meanwhile, some writers and friends at the event poured encomium on the literary icon and professor of medicine who specializes in dermatology.

In his congratulatory message, the National President, People With Albinism (PWA), Mr Jake Epelle described the professor as a living legend of education and dermatology.

“Prof Okoro is an unsung hero like no other,” Epelle said.

The Enugu State Chairman of PWA, Mr Emeka Ugwu, thanked God for the life of Aneziokoro, “ a man who has touched lives of thousands of people in so many way.

“As the father of Albinism since the early 60s, the seed he sowed has blossomed into a high level of public enlightenment on Albinism and I am a living example,” he said.

The President of the Coal City Literary Foundation (CCLF), Dr Adaobi Nwoye described the professor as a literary icon, father and mentor and prayed God for more fruitful years.

Mr Victor Atuonwu, a close family friend and former Chief of Staff to ex Enugu Governor, Mr Sullivan Chime, reiterated his appeal to South East governors and the Federal Government to honor the renowned writer for his immense contributions to national development.

Atuonwu recalled that Aneziokoro was instrumental to the development of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory and regretted that no street in the country was named after him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof Aneziokoro published over 200 novels and poems.

They include, The Village School; New Broom at Amanzu; One Week, One Trouble; Double Trouble; Second Great Flood and Akuko Ufodu Shakespeare koro (Lamb Tales from Shakespeare) which was launched at the event.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the member representing Enugu South Constituency at the Enugu House of Assembly, Chief Sam Ngene. (NAN)