EVEN though the mother of modern African literature and pioneer of African women literature, Professor Flora Nwapa, is no longer on this side of the plain, staff and students of the English and Literary Studies Department of the Imo State University recently paid a visit to her country home in Oguta, Imo State, in recognition of her contributions to the development of literature on the African continent.
At the Nwapas’ country home, brother to the late literary genius and patriarch of Nwapa family, Chief Fine Nwapa, and her daughter, Dr Njideka Nwapa Ibuaka, who is based in the United States, welcomed the group.
In his welcome remarks, Chief Nwapa, thanked the group led by Professor Ernest N.Emenyonu, who is the Chair of Department of Africana Studies, University of Michigan, USA and also Adjunct Professor of English and Literary Studies Department, Imo State University, alongside the Head of Department (HOD), Barrister Paul Kennedy Enesha, for inspiring the students to embark on such meaningful academic field trip.
Prince Paschal N.Mebuge-Obaa, who was the Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), South East and Enugu for the Professor Flora Nwapa’s Efuru @ 50 celebration in Nigeria in 2016, was also available to welcome the group.
The students were conducted round the agricultural plantation and estate of Flora Nwapa’s father.
There was also a visit to the Weruche Villa Guest House, built in 1939 with the sum of 400 pound sterling.
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