From a Harmattan of many discontents, Wordsbody attempts to spring back into blogging, and sadly it's a post about the tragic death of poet Ify Omalicha, who was in an accident along the Lokoja-Abuja highway. The terrible news was confirmed by PEN Nigeria yesterday.Wasn't she lovely? From the many tributes pouring in from writers who've encountered and collaborated with her over many years, it appears she was lovely inside, too.
Ify (short for Ifeyinwa) was the author of 3 poetry collections, including 'They Run Still' and 'Now That Dreams Are Born'. As recently as Thursday, March 8, Omalicha was one of 3 writers featured in a literary reading and interaction event for International Women's Day, held at the University of Lagos. Also on the programme with her were Lola Shoneyin and Chinyere Okafor.
I don't recall ever meeting Ify Omalicha, though we will likely have been at some events at the same time over the years. I understand that just two days ago, Friday morning, she was with a female poet I saw later that same day at Odia Ofeimun's 62nd birthday event at the Muson Centre. I wonder if Ify was also at the Muson... May she rest in peace, and may her work live on.
Photo: AWF
i feel so much pain, what sort of country is this that we lose our professionals to road traffic accidents. Why? I weep when i think forward what this vivacious young lady would have been. Ify, I feel the pain of your parents and and your young son. May God console them. I am happy however that you made every moment of your short life count. from temi owo
ReplyDeleteAn artiste of many dimensions. A teacher who leads by example, kind hearted, passionate and compassionate. I'm so lucky to have encountered her in her natural habitat, the laboratory that has incubated and hatched many artistes; the Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan. SHE AUTHOGRAPHED A COPY OF HER LATEST BOOK FOR ME AND WROTE, ''To wale... Walk your own path...with grace...'' enjoy the eternal silence, we love you
ReplyDeleteFrom 'waleMORAKINYO
An artiste of many dimensions. A teacher who leads by example, kind hearted, passionate and compassionate. I'm so lucky to have encountered her in her natural habitat, the laboratory that has incubated and hatched many artistes; the Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan. SHE AUTHOGRAPHED A COPY OF HER LATEST BOOK FOR ME AND WROTE, ''To wale... Walk your own path...with grace...'' enjoy the eternal silence, we love you
ReplyDeleteFrom 'waleMORAKINYO
The horror of Nigeria's roads has claimed so many lives
ReplyDeleteIfy we served together in Adamawa state and still met in Lagos,wia death choose ta take u at ur prime. but we cannot ask God why? Omalich ga nke oma! Obijekwu Gozie Frank
ReplyDelete