A Tribute to Madiba Nelson Mandela 

Once in a lifetime there comes a person who transcends all facets of life. He appears larger than life and makes life look simple and easy. He makes us feel good, loved, strong, articulate, proud, honest, and forthright. We always wish that such a person could be a member of our family, one of us, and live forever. Unfortunately, no one person can be everything to all the people. Furthermore, no one can live forever. 

NELSON MANDELA WAS SUCH A PERSON! 

We are witnesses to what a great man that he was.

He was the big Iroko tree in the forest!

He was our African Champion!

He was our Father --A Man of Integrity! 

He was our Hero -- fought for Equality for all humans! 

He was a Man of Substance! 

I will tell my grandchildren that I saw you in Detroit.

I will tell them that I heard you speak.

I will tell them that you gave us hope that human beings can be Christ-like – forgiving & of good conscience.

I will tell them of your immense heart...a Great Man.

Thank you for all you did for South Africans.

Thank you for all you did for Africa.

Thank you for all you did for the World.

Thank you for all the memories.

You will surely be missed.

Nelson Rolihlahla nwa Mandela, na gbo!

© Uzoma Onyemaechi, December 5, 2013

A Man of The People

When I first heard the news of the passing of Professor Chinua Achebe, I thought it was a joke

The Eagle on The Iroko has flown?

The man whose masterpiece, Things Fall Apart, introduced the whole world to African Literature hitherto ignored by all this while was gone?

How are the mighty falling!

I only met him once at the local wing of the Murtal Muhammed Airport in 1983

I walked up to him and introduced myself and thank him to his impact on my literary life

He smiled and wished me well

Professor Chinua Achebe was a man of many parts: -

He was a detribalized man without borders. He was a husband, father, son, brother, in-law and a friend. Also, he was a Patriot, Scholar, Historian, Hero and a Rebel. He was an institution!

He was A Man of The People!

Here was a man who gave the world an insight into African culture.

Here was a man who loved his people, Ndi-Igbo, greatly

Here was a man who had it all but decided to live a normal life

Here was a man who had principles and lived it

Here was a man who was disappointed in the Nigerian polity and lack of leadership

Here was a man who believed in the greater good of mankind as is evident in his books

He was A Man of The People!

We should not fail to acknowledge the great sacrifice, contribution and wisdom of Nnanyi-uku, Achebe, to the growth and development of Nigeria.

We should not fail to acknowledge his contribution to the global literary platform.

We should not fail to acknowledge missing his needed advice and guidance at a time when our nation is under-going immense challenges and restructuring.

He was A Man of The People!

The Eagle on The Iroko, we will miss you, your brutal honesty, and your treasured words of wisdom and literary lessons. Thanks for the memories.

Chinualumogu Albert nwa Achebe, Oke osisi nona ohia, na gbo!

© Uzoma Onyemaechi, March 2013