The traditional ruler of Nandom Traditional Area, Upper West Region, Ghana, HRH Edmund Nminyem, says Prof. Anezionwu Okoro, the author of ‘Village Headmaster’, will always remain relevant in the history of Africa.
The royal father stated this during the Night of Tribute organised in the honour of Okoro, who died on Jan. 20 on Tuesday in Enugu.
He described Okoro as the “greatest dermatologist in Africa,” adding that he was a Pan-African par excellence who believed in the unity of Africa.
According to him, Okoro has done a lot in his literary works and will not die in the history of Africa, in science and politics, or in the humanities.
“We should immortalize and celebrate him, and if we have a few people like him, Africa will be a great continent scientifically, politically, and otherwise.
“He was so humble, very great in the scientific world or poetic world, and each time I wanted to give up, Okoro would encourage me. He would do all he could to help his friends, from which I benefited immensely,” he said.
Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, the owner and founder of Memphys Neurosurgery Hospital, Enugu, equally described him as a man with exceptional humility, stressing that he never saw Okoro quarrel with anyone.
“Okoro was a unique person who knew how to resolve disputes.
“He served in very high positions as a director in the oil industry, and nobody ever challenged his transparency and honesty, adding that he was a dedicated and committed teacher.
“The medical field will miss him in the treatment of skin diseases,” he said.
The founder of the Albino Foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle, said Okoro was more than a medical doctor for people with albinism.
He said the literary icon started treating them as far back as 1964 and had continued to treat them until his death.
“He was very inspiring; he has touched lives, and anyone with albinism that he treated comes with clean and smooth skin. He was the second dermatologist in Africa, a father and a mentor,” he said.
In a sermon, Venerable Emeka Ezeje of All Saints Anglican Church, Enugu, added that Okoro was an eminent Anglican who lived his life for others, a lovely human being who rendered service to humanity.
According to him, the late Okoro wrote more poems than those at the university.
“He is a socialite who loved mingling with others, had his tentacles widely spread as he married from Edo, and often reached out to humanity, which was the gospel of Christ.
“He has touched a lot of lives, and I pray that his children will continue the legacies that he left for them,” the clergyman said.
Dr. Adaobi Nwoye, Lecturer, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Founder of Coal City Literally Form, Enugu, added that Okoro mentored her writing, saying, “We are grateful that he lived an impactful life.
“I will miss his sense of humour, wisdom, and kind advice,” Nwoye said.
Speaking on behalf of his alma mater, Uzuakoli Methodist College Old Boys Association, Dr. EEJ Okereke said he was one of the best students the school produced.
According to him, he lived the motto of the college, “You before I,” because he always placed others before himself.
One of his sons, Ogbonnaya Okoro, expressed satisfaction that his father lived a fulfilled life, saying he should be celebrated as he wrote children and medical books.
“My father was a gentleman. I will miss his gentle nature and his story-telling,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anezi Okoro was the author of many works of fiction, medicine and health, environmental sciences, and ecology.
Some of his works include ‘One Week, One Trouble’, ‘The Village School’, and ‘The Village Headmaster’.
Prof. Anezi, as he is fondly called, has also written over 200 poems. (NAN)
