By PRISCA SAM-DURU

Professor Ebele Eko is one  of the greatest amazons Nigeria has ever made as well as the greatest human influence in my life. As the biggest authority on Nigeria’s iconic writer, Prof. Elechi Amadi, Eko’s new book is a priceless resource material for literary students worldwide owing to its rich content”, were the words of Writer turned activist, Betty Abah.

•Unveiling of the book- the high point of the event

It’s heartwarming to know that Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the fact that it is better to celebrate our heroes and heroines while they yet live, than when they are gone.

At the Excellence Hotel Ogba, Ikeja Lagos, last week, poet, author, mentor, retiring Professor of Comparative Literature, University of Calabar and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of same institution, Professor (Mrs.) Ebele Ofoma Eko was accorded a double honour in Lagos. It was her 70th birthday as well as the public presentation of her latest book: “Masterpieces of African Literature” Volume One.

The occasion which was organised by the poetess, Betty Abah, was put together as part of activities held in the country, to mark the Amazon’s 70th birthday anniversary as well as for her giant strides in the Academia and the society at large.

Considering how much Eko had done for the academia and humanity in general, one wonders why Nigerians waited until the 70th year of this Anambra State born gentile giant to honour her but as the saying goes, its better late than never.

One remarkable thing about the book occasion was that from the event organiser, to members of the high table and majority of the audience, was that Mommy, as Prof Eko is fondly called, had touched their lives in one way or the other. All this she achieved, not just through her numerous books and lectures but also, being a philanthropist and voice to the voiceless.

Ebele Eko’s teaching experience in African and African-American literature both in Nigeria and the United States, spans over forty years. During this period, she became a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Florida (1985-1986) and Valdosta State University (1991-1992). She is also the first Desmond Tutu Professor, University of North Florida, Jacksonville (1998-2000). She also has numerous books, including “Joy Unspeakable”, to her credit

“Masterpieces of African Literature” is a compendium of critical reviews of the best works by Africa’s best writers both past and contemporary, covering the prose, drama and poetry genres.

According to the celebrant, “It celebrates Nigeria’s Literature in her 100 years of existence as a nation. Literature defines a people and affirms their right to be a people. It celebrates all Nigerian authors whose works make up 75% of all creative works in Africa and announces who is who among African writers. It presents in brief and under one cover, the contents of the best 100 works in African Literature – Prose, Drama and Poetry.”

It is a book to make Nigeria and Africa proud; placing the African in proper perspective within world civilization.

An enthused Abah also said that the book was Eko’s parting gift to the Academia, environment and entire world, adding “She will continue to write, inspire people and minister to both spiritual and material needs of individuals as she has been doing. As an educationist, religious minister and philanthropist, she offered home to the homeless and voice to the voiceless.”

Reviewing the book, Prof. Stella Ekpe described the book as an easy companion for students and scholars as well as the general public in their effort to understand Africa and its literature. She affirmed that “Ebele Eko has the gift to conceptualise as a timeless classic, a worthy legacy which today she bequeaths to countless others of generations of African writers, critics, students, teachers and lovers of African literature everywhere which the work, doubtless, will generate.”

The book launch featured readings by Prof Eko. ‘New Breed of Men’, Tribute to Chinua Achebe, Nelson Mandela, and ‘Twelve Manners of Joy’ were poems she read from her poetry collection; “Joy Unspeakable”.

The event which was entertaining, featured poetry performance by christian performance poetess, Damola Adesina who rained down poetic praises to God, causing goose pimples on members of the audience. Hers was a complete soul lifting presentation.

There was also reading of ‘Arriver’ by Betty Abah which she took from her Poetry collection “Go Tell Our King” and song ministrations by Olumide.

Also a group of performers from Makoko, rapped up event with musical presentations accompanied by drumbeats.

High point of the event was a preview of “Mother of Multitudes”, a biography of the celebrant, written by Betty Abah which will be released come October.