President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Late Gabriel Okara, who died at the aged 98 on Sunday after a brief illness, will be fondly remembered for his immense contributions to the development of African literature.
Buhari mourning the passage of the renowned poet, novelist and playwright in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Okara family, the government and people of Bayelsa State, the literary community and all who drank from the writer’s fountain of knowledge.
The President believed that Okara, who was deservedly known as the ‘‘founder of Modern African literature’’ would be fondly remembered for his immense contributions to the development of African literature, drawing on experience from his native Ijaw language.
The President extolled the “great story-teller whose powerful use of imagery and symbolism in his literary writings helped the world to appreciate and…
