ABU alumni pledge to honour late Ugandan novelist, Okello Oculi
The International Studies Alumni Association, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has condoled with the family of the late Pan-Africanist scholar, Prof. Okello Oculi, pledging to immortalise his legacy.
The association’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Shuaibu, disclosed this in a statement in Zaria on Sunday.
Mr Shuaibu said a three-man delegation, led by the National President, Muntari Kaita, visited the late scholar’s family residence at Apo District, Abuja, to offer condolences.
He quoted Mr Kaita as expressing the association’s heartfelt sympathy over the loss.
Mr Kaita said, “The members of our association, mostly his students, are deeply grieved by the passing of Prof. Okello.’’
He added that Mr Oculi had profoundly impacted members of the alumni, the Department of Political Science and International Studies, ABU Zaria, and Africa’s university system through teaching and literary works.
The alumni president praised Mr Oculi’s dedication to Pan-Africanism, international understanding, promotion of the AU mock summit, and mentoring of youths to advance Africa’s development.
He stated, “Okello’s passion for Pan-Africanism and willingness to share his knowledge made him a valuable asset to the global academic community.’’
He also noted the scholar’s active participation in the association’s activities and commitment to mentoring graduates and younger generations in line with his Pan-African ideals.
Mr Kaita added that the association would explore ways to honour Mr Oculi’s legacy through tributes and a memorial event celebrating his academic excellence.
Responding, Debra Ogazuma, Prof. Oculi’s widow, expressed the family’s gratitude for the condolence visit.
She urged the association to promote her late husband’s ideals to enhance the growth and development of Africa’s intellectuals and young talents.
Recall that Mr Oculi died on July 26. He was a professor of Social and Economic Research at Ahmadu Bello University.
A Ugandan novelist, poet, and chronicler of rural African life, he was, until his death, a private political and social consultant based in Abuja.
(NAN)
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