5TH MEMORIAL LECTURE: Scholars, Leaders Honour Prof Ike’s Legacy

By Ukpa Ewa

Scholars in education, literature and traditional institution recently gathered in Awka to mark the fifth memorial lecture in honour of His Majesty Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, a renowned novelist, administrator and traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The memorial event was organised by the Nigerian Book Foundation (NBF) in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Education, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Anambra State Chapter and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council.

Delivering her address, the Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described Prof. Ike as a literary icon who used his works to safeguard traditional Igbo values. She particularly commended his novel Expo 77 for its satirical exposure of corruption in Nigeria education sector. She noted that Ike was among the few who boldly documented the experiences of the Igbo during the Nigerian civil war.

In his keynote address titled “Chukwuemeka Ike: The Last of the Old Sentinels,” Prof. Chike Okoye, a professor of Poetry and Post-Colonial Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, described Ike as “a colossus and a custodian of culture.”

He highlighted the late author role in teaching creative writing at the University of Jos and praised his numerous novels, including Sunset at Dawn, Toads for Supper, The Naked Gods, and The Chicken Chasers, for their deep societal relevance.

Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Emeka Odogwu, PhD, in his remarks expressed concern over the dwindling reading culture among students in the digital age. He urged young people to return to printed books, stating that reading hard copies helps with comprehension and critical thinking.

While Valentine Obienyem, who represented the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, emphasised the central role of education in societal advancement. He encouraged students to emulate Prof. Ike’s life and draw lessons from his literary contributions.

Earlier on her opening remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics of Paul University, Awka, and Co-President of the Nigerian Book Foundation, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, said the memorial lecture serves to honour Prof. Ike’s legacy as both a scholar and traditional ruler.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the Chairman of the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka HRM Igwe Benneth Emeka, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo of Seahorse Lubricants Industries, lecturers, students and members of the literary community.