Renowned author and dermatologist, Prof Anezi Okoro, acclaimed for literary works like ‘One Week, One Trouble’ and ‘The Village Headmaster,’ has died at the age of 94.
The news was confirmed by his first son, Chukwuma Aneziokoro, who announced the peaceful passing in his Enugu residence in the early hours of Saturday.
Chukwuma shared, ”He had been sick for some time. But he died peacefully around 4 a.m. He was a great man, caring father and husband. I will sorely miss him.”
Born on May 17, 1929, in Arondizuogu, Imo, Prof Anezi Okoro was not only a prolific author but also the first dermatologist in West Africa and the second in Africa.
His literary contributions spanned various genres, including fiction, medicine/health, environmental sciences, and ecology.
Among his notable works are ‘One Week One Trouble,’ ‘The Village School,’ and ‘The Village Headmaster.’
Affectionately known as Prof Anezi, he showcased his versatility by publishing over 200 poems and collaborating on translating 10 Lamb’s tales of Shakespeare into Igbo, titled, ‘Akuko Ufodu Shakespeare Koro,’ with Mrs Nwobiara Chukwura.
Starting his academic career in 1975 as a professor of medicine at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof Okoro held various prestigious positions, including the presidency of the African Association for Dermatology from 1986 to 1991.
He served as the Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Lagos from 1977 to 1981.
The nonagenarian also made significant contributions as a visiting professor at institutions like the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, in 1987; the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in 1988; and King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from 1989 to 1995.
Prof Anezi’s legacy extended beyond literature and medicine, as he served as the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) and a member of the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF).
He leaves behind his wife, Ese, a gynaecologist, and four children.
