The International Writers Association, has commemorated the 52nd posthumous birthday of the late Professor Pius Adesanmi, a renowned Nigerian author and literary icon.
In a press statement issued by the acting President of the Association, Wole Adedoyin, the IWA paid tribute to Adesanmi’s exceptional contributions to African literature and his unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism.
Adesanmi was a distinguished scholar whose expertise spanned francophone and anglophone African and Black Diasporic liliteraturepolitics, and cultures. He served as the Director of the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University until his untimely passing in the Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crash on March 10, 2019.
Adesanmi’s research extended to various fields, including postcolonial writing and social media, popular and street cultures in Africa, postcolonial and cultural theory, and third-world feminist discourses. He was a strong advocate for public intellectualism and envisioned a promising future for Pan-Africa.
His literary journey commenced with the publication of his debut poetry collection, “The Wayfarer and Other Poems,” in 2001, which was awarded the Association of Nigerian Authors prize for poetry. In 2010, his book “You’re Not a Country, Africa” earned him the prestigious Penguin Prize for African Literature. This remarkable collection of essays delved into his personal understanding of Africa and explored the complexities of the continent.
Adesanmi’s subsequent book, “Naija No Dey Carry Last: Thoughts on a Nation in Progress,” a collection of essays focusing on Nigerian politics and culture, received critical acclaim and was selected by Channels Television Book Club as one of the 15 best Nigerian books of 2015.
The IWA, in its statement, highlighted Adesanmi’s legacy as an inspirational figure who used his literary prowess to challenge the status quo, promote social justice, and advocate for a more unified Africa. The Association expressed its commitment to upholding Adesanmi’s ideals and fostering the growth of African literature for generations to come.
