On His 65th Post-Humous Birthday, Tributes For Late Writer Abubakar Gimba.
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Late Abubakar Gimba |
The
birthday of Abubakar Gimba, late writer and former President of the Association
of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is today. The writer of 16 published works of Prose, Poetry
and Essays died on 25th February, 2015, aged 63. Below are tributes from writers
in memory of his life and works.
Abubakar Gimba was a patron- saint among ANA members
as President. He was that calm, dignified figure that could hardly be provoked
by anyone's eccentricities or presumptions. You could not see him exhibiting
any of the so-called 'writers' excesses and he led with uncanny kindness.
His executive registered ANA as a corporate entity and secured its land in
Abuja by acquiring its C of O. Abubakar Gimba's writings began the cross over
conversation of Northern Nigerian fictional narrative in English into
mainstream Nigerian literature. Abubakar Gimba began that conversation yesterday
that has been radically extended by Abubakar Adam today.
Denja Abdullahi, Nat. President of ANA.
Abubakar Gimba was the quintessence of God-fearing
humaneness. He was one in a million, generous and compassionate to a fault. He
disarmed you at once with his respect and down-to-earth sensitivity to feeling.
His small stature and corresponding small voice, which was refined by candid
words of tact and quiet frankness, created an impression of vulnerability that
made you feel like holding him in a tight protective embrace. Our friendship
transcended brotherhood. For me he cannot be replaced.
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2001, Minna. Late Gimba (left) and Dillibe Onyeama holding the manuscript of A Toast in The Cemetery. |
As his first publisher, I feel privileged to recall
that we coined the now-celebrated and well-deserved eulogy 'the Northern answer
to Achebe and Soyinka'." May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
Dillibe Onyeama, CEO, Delta Publications (Nigeria) Ltd.
When Gimba became the President of ANA he said his
mission was to refocus the Association as a corporate entity. And he did just
that. He raised the Association to a level of respectability that makes it now
cherished by all.
Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmed, former Chairman, ANA Niger
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BM Dzukogi |
He was a man of perfect articulation in oral and
written speeches. As timid as he appeared, he was fearless in his written texts,
especially essays. He was a perfect social diplomat. Because he was harmless,
you didn't know when you have hurt him. I still don't know why he always wanted
to see us. I still don't know why he gave a standing rule that we must be
admitted into his presence anytime we called at his house. I feel a sense of
loss each time I remember that Gimba always wanted to see us. Only your parents
want to see you, all the time. The good man left unsatisfied with the
irregular society of ours. All great artists die unsatisfied with their
societies. Gimba was one. Forget it, he was generally unhappy about Nigeria. We
saw it
BM Dzukogi, former Nat. Sec of ANA
He was a friend and a thoroughly decent human being who worked very hard to support Nigerian writing. He was generous with his time and did a lot to encourage young writers. May his soul continue to Rest in Peace.
Lola Shoneyin, Writer and Founder, Ake Arts Festival.
Blog post updated.
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Lola Shoneyin |
Lola Shoneyin, Writer and Founder, Ake Arts Festival.
Blog post updated.
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