West Africa’s first dermatologist renowned author, Prof Anezi Okoro is dead.
According to his first son, Chukwuma Aneziokoro died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 94 in his Enugu residence in the early hours of Saturday, 20th January 2024.
”He had been sick for sometime but he died peacefully around 4am. He was a great man, caring father and husband. I will solely miss him,” he said.
Reacting to his demise, the The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Enugu Branch said Prof. Anezi is “one of Nigeria’s most prolific writers who created stories that have inspired many writers and imparted deeply in Nigerian youths.
The condolence message which was signed by Comr. Zulu Ofoelue, Chairman ANA, Enugu Branch further stated that the late icon “was also one of the first African to delve into the genre of Science Fiction.
“As a member and Grand Patron of ANA, Enugu Branch, Prof Okoro was a glittering role model, motivator, counsellor, icon, support, leader and father. Even in his old age, he was deeply committed to the growth of ANA Enugu. We will miss him greatly.
Born May 17, 1929, the nonagenarian dermatologist was the author of many fictions, medicine/health, environmental sciences and ecology, including One Week One Trouble, The Village School and the Village Headmaster.
Okoro, a native of Arondizuogu in Imo, was the first dermatologist in West Africa and the second in Africa and had his secondary school education at the Methodist College, Uzuakoli, Abia State, Nigeria.
Prof Anezi, as he was fondly called, had also written over 200 poems.
Some of his works include:
The Village School- 1966
New Broom at Amanzu- 1967
Febechi in the Cave Adventure- 1971
One Week one Trouble- 1972
Dr Amadi’s Postings- 1974
Febechi down the River- 1975
The Village headmaster- 1984
Double trouble- 1990
Pariah Earth and Other Stories-1994
Second Great Flood- 2000
Flying Tortoise: A Novel- 2004
Akụkọ Ụfọdụ Shakespeare Koro- 2015
