Eminent Nigerian Playwright and novelist, Captain Elechi Amadi, who wrote famous books like The Concubine, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Peppersoup and The Road to Ibadan, on Wednesday, died at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82, just about a week after he took ill.
It was gathered that the deceased was billed to be at Wednesday’s annual book reading programme organised in Port Harcourt by Total Exploration and Production, but could not make it as a result of his ill health.
He was born on 12 May, 1934 in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area. He attended Government college , Umuahia and went to the University college, Ibadan where he bagged a BSc degree in Physics and Mathematics.
He served in the 3rd Marine Commandos of the Nigerian Army. He was first Commissioner for Education in the old Rivers state and also served as Commissioner for Lands and Housing He had several honours to his credit.
He was Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education and a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He was awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the University of Port Harcourt in 2011. He was abducted by unknown gunmen in 2008 and later released after some days in their custody. He lived in his community, Aluu until his death.
