Akpabio’s CoS Sylvester Okonkwo celebrates Christopher Okigbo’s enduring legacy

Sylvester Okonkwo, the Chief of Staff to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has praised the virtues of literary icon Christopher Okigbo, lauding him as a poet and cultural beacon whose voice resonated with the struggles, aspirations, and spiritual yearnings of his people. Okonkwo was the guest of honour at the Uyo Book Club’s August reading session, held in tribute to Okigbo in the Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday.

Okigbo, who was born on August 16 1932 and died in 1967 during the Nigerian civil war, is widely acknowledged as one of Africa’s greatest and most influential modern poets..

In his address, Okonkwo conveyed warm greetings from the Senate President, expressing solidarity with the Igbo nation’s rich history, intellect, and cultural contributions. “He has asked me to convey his deepest admiration for the man we celebrate today, a poet whose words continue to resonate across generations,” Okonkwo stated.

He continued by recognising Christopher Okigbo as not just a poet but a cultural icon whose literary works are a testament to his profound introspection and lyrical mastery. “Christopher Okigbo, a name synonymous with profound introspection and lyrical mastery, was not just a poet but a cultural icon whose voice echoed the struggles, aspirations, and spiritual yearnings of a people. His work remains a beacon of intellectual rigor and artistic excellence, reminding us of the power of words to shape nations and define destinies.”

Drawing on references from literary scholars, Okonkwo noted the remarkable influence of Okigbo’s works. He cited Ali Mazrui’s work, The Trial of Christopher Okigbo, where Mazrui described Okigbo as “a martyr for an egalitarian society,” highlighting Okigbo’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and truth—principles that continue to inspire generations.

Okonkwo reflected on the power of Okigbo’s poetry, particularly his celebrated work *Labyrinths*, which begins with the iconic line, “Before you, mother Idoto, naked I stand.” He described this as more than just an invocation but a symbolic homage to the eternal, spiritual essence of the African soul. “It is this essence that Okigbo so masterfully captured in his poetry, a deep reverence for the metaphysical, intertwined with the raw realities of his time.”

Emphasising Okigbo’s embodiment of the Igbo spirit, Okonkwo stated, “In Okigbo, we see the embodiment of the Igbo spirit: unyielding, introspective, and profoundly connected to the land and its people. His poetry was his weapon, and he wielded it with unparalleled skill, challenging the status quo, questioning the very foundations of society, and advocating for justice and equity.”

He also acknowledged the deep philosophical and cultural impact of Okigbo’s works, highlighting how they blend indigenous rhythms with modernist techniques to create a unique voice that speaks to both local and global audiences. Okonkwo stressed that Okigbo’s contributions to scholarship are immense, with his works being studied and revered across the globe.

Concluding his tribute, Okonkwo echoed the Senate President’s admiration for Okigbo, underscoring the importance of nurturing the arts and scholarship in society. “The President of the Senate, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, has always championed the cause of education and cultural preservation, recognising that a nation that forgets its poets, its artists, and its thinkers is a nation that loses its soul.”

Okonkwo ended with a call to honour the legacy of Christopher Okigbo and ensure that his contributions to literature and culture are never forgotten. “As we stand here today, let us remember the words of Okigbo himself: ‘We carry in our hearts the fire of our ancestors.’ This fire is the eternal flame of wisdom, culture, and resilience. It is our duty to keep it burning, to pass it on to future generations, and to ensure that the legacy of Christopher Okigbo and countless other luminaries of our land is never forgotten.”