A renowned African finest novelist, poet and dramatist, Elechi Amadi, has died at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82.
Late Amadi, who was once Commissioner for Education (1987–88) and later Commissioner for Lands and Housing (1989–90) in Rivers State, breathed his last at about 3: 45pm at the hospital.
He was born on May 12, 1934 in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State, but 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.
