The death of Professor Festus Iyayi today along Abuja - lokoja expressway came to me as a rude shock. Prof was one of Nigerias brightest novelist and lecturers. His books Violence and Heroes were an xray of the poverty, deprivation, vulnerability and under development of the post oil boom Nigeria. Violence and Ngugi wa Thiongos Devil on the Cross, for me, are some of the the best novels to have come out of Africa. As someone who never fancied arts for the sake of arts, these books were my window to the world of development economics and global development. I remain grateful to you Professor Iyayi - a consumate professor of economics and business.It is very disheartening to note that he died when one of the vehicles in the convoy of a high government official rammed into his car. Prof was on his way to Kano to attend a meeting of ASUU. Rest in peace Sir! Though dead, you have stimulated a whole lot in us. Nigeria and the world would be a better place than you were forced to leave it.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 16:29:12 +0000