Prof. James Nwoye, father of Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie, was buried on October 9th in his hometown Abba in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra. Prof. Adichie died on June 10, 2020.

The ceremony began with a Holy Mass presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye of the Awka Catholic Diocese, and drew the attendance of Ex Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, among other intellectuals and personalities, including the members of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter).

Also in attendance was Dr. Ivara Esege, Adichie’s husband, who was one of the most sighted in the burial, as he comforted and consoled his dear wife throughout the period of the burial rites.

Adichie read the scriptures (both in Igbo and English languages) during the pontifical burial mass that held in St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Abba. She seemed deeply affected by her father’s passing. (See her essay on mourning her father’s death.)

“My father was a very remarkable, kind and loving father. He was also a patient and honest man of integrity. He always had time for his children. In fact my father was the bedrock of whatever I am today. So I don’t think I could have had a better father than him. I love him, and I will miss him so much,” she told journalists in an interview.

Late Prof. James Nwoye Adichie who died at 88, was the first professor of Statistics in Nigeria. He is survived by Mrs. Grace Ifeoma Adichie (wife); Ijeoma Adichie, Uchenna Adichie, Chuks Adichie, Okey Adichie, Chimamanda Adichie, and Kenechukwu Adichie (children), as well as grandchildren and other relatives.

 

 

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All images by Izunna Okafor