Bayelsa writers mourn, as Gabriel Okara dies at 98

ONE of Nigeria’s foremost and famous writers, poets and novelists, Dr Gabriel Okara, is dead.

Okara who is from Boumadi, Bayelsa State, died at Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Yenagoa in the evening of Sunday 25th March 2019.

Tribune Online gathered that the legendary poet and novelist died at the age of 98 years and is said to be a lifelong Patron of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

A family member who pleaded anonymity said Pa Okara was relaxing at his Yenagoa residence when he slumps at about 4 pm on Sunday.

He said the head of the Okara family has sent a text message for an emergency meeting, and the family would issue a formal statement afterwards.

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The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Bayelsa State Chapter, in a statement by its chairman, Mrs Bina Ilagha, said “the Association is ruffled by the news because it came at a time when preparations are in top gear to celebrate his masterpiece, ‘’The Voice’’ at 55.

“We are saddened by the news but are consoled that he left behind lofty legacies. Pa Okara, through his literary exploits, put Bayelsa in the map of literary excellence.”

Also, the speechwriter to the governor of Bayelsa State and one-time chairman of ANA, Mr Michael Afenfia, in a statement in Yenagoa said: “It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of the renowned poet and novelist, Gabriel Okara.

“Even in passing, I am sure your poem, “Piano and Drums”, will ‘minister’ to me in many ways. Your words are an inspiration! Your concerns about the African culture in the face of Western ‘threat’ as expressed in “Once Upon a Time” are ever before me.

“Thank you for leaving us with so much to remember of your time here with us. Thank you for setting the pace for several generations of writers.”