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The demise of Prof. Catherine Obianuju Acholonu, prolific writer, consummate academic, astute administrator and engaging politician, on March 18, 2014, robbed the literary world, the academia and the political class of an outstanding member. With her death, too, the Nigerian feminist movement has been deprived of the services of a dependable anchor and pillar of support.
Born in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria, on October 26, 1951 to the family of Chief Lazarus Olumba, Acholonu attended primary and secondary schools in Orlu areas. She obtained master's and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees in English and African Literature from the University of Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1977 and 1987 respectively. The late poet and cultural activist astounded the literary community with her publishing and launching of eight books at once. She was a foundation member of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Acholonu taught for many years at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, Imo State and other higher institutions of learning abroad. She wrote the seminal work: The Igbo Roots of Olaudah Equiano , on the notable Igbo ex-slave and autobiographer. The publication, which did not...