Join us today as we explore the life of another African who made history: Flora Nkiru Nwapa.
Flora Nkiru Nwapa stands as Nigeria’s inaugural female novelist and the initial black African female novelist to achieve international publication in the English language. She holds the distinction of being Africa’s first female novelist. Revered as the Mother of Modern African Literature, she was born on January 13, 1931, in Ugwuta, Imo State, and was the first daughter among six siblings.
Flora was born into two prominent Nigerian families—Nwapa Nduka and the Onumonu Uzaru. Her parents, particularly her mother, Martha Onyenma Nwapa, a prominent figure in Oguta, played a significant early role. Martha, the first woman to complete the "customary standard six examinations" at St. Monica’s, a missionary school in the town, was a studious woman who later became a teacher in Oguta. She instilled a love for reading in all her children. Flora's father, Christopher Ijoma Nwapa, a notable landowner and managing director of a major British palm oil exporting company, was crucial to her upbringing.
Flora attended C.M.S. Central School in Ugwuta, Imo State, and Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. In 1950, she pursued post-secondary courses at Queens College, Lagos. After completing her studies, Nwapa briefly taught at Priscilla Memorial Grammar School in Oguta, founded by her uncle, Chief Richard Nzimiro, the first mayor of Port Harcourt, and her aunt Mary Nzimiro. Pursuing further education, she obtained a Diploma in Education from Edinburgh University in 1958, subsequently traveling through Europe to observe various cultures.
From 1953 to 1957, Nwapa studied English, History, and Geography at the University of Ibadan. During her time there, she served as the president of Queen’s Hall. In 1956, she met Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their official visit to Nigeria. Graduating in 1958, she returned to Calabar and became an Education Officer. Later, she taught Geography and English at Queen’s School Enugu in 1959 and served as Assistant Registrar at the University of Lagos from 1962 to 1967.
Flora was married to Chief Gogo Nwakuche and had three children. She held positions such as the Minister of Health and Social Welfare of East Central State from 1970 to 1971 and Commissioner for Land, Census, and Urban Development from 1971 to 1974.
Initiating her literary career with the novel "Efuru," based on an old folktale, she became the first Nigerian woman to write an English novel. Published in 1966, "Efuru" marked her entrance into the literary world.
Flora Nkiru Nwapa, Nigeria’s foremost novelist, received the national honor OON (Officer of the Order of the Niger) from President Shehu Usman Shagari in 1983. A member of Africa’s Writers Series, she served on the Commonwealth Prize Committee in 1992. She passed away on October 16, 1993, due to pneumonia at University Teaching Hospital Enugu. She was buried in her hometown, Ugwuta, Imo State, with the highest chieftaincy title, 'Ogbuefi.' She inspired African women to surpass traditional roles.
Over 27 years, Nwapa authored six novels, nine children’s books, six plays, two collections of short stories, a book of poems, and numerous essays. Her last novel, "The Lake Goddess," was posthumously published in 1995. Ugwuta or Oguta not only gave birth to Flora Nwapa but also to Dr. Alban (Alban Uzoma Nwapa), his cousin Charlie Boy (Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa), and Senator Arthur Nzeribe.
This concludes our journey through history.
Gone but not forgotten!
________Read Again_________
THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME" song by JIM REEVES 1962 Classic
[Verse 1]
This world is not my home
I'm just a-passing through
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.
[Chorus]
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home
Then Lord what will I do.
The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.
[Verse 2]
I have a loving mother
Just up in Gloryland
And I don't expect to stop
Until I shake her hand.
She's waiting now for me
In heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.
[Chorus]
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home
Then Lord what will I do.
The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.
[Verse 3]
Just over in Gloryland
We'll live eternally
The saints on every hand
Are shouting victory.
Their songs of sweetest praise
Drift back from heaven's shore
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.
[Chorus]
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home
Then Lord what will I do.
The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore...
________Read Again_________
Let No Strife Hinder You in 2024...
One of the greatest mistakes we make is envisioning a life without strife. We long for utopia, where everything aligns seamlessly without contestation—rain falling in ideal proportions, moderate sunlight, and water levels staying within norms. Yet, such a world is contrary to the law of motion, where friction is integral.
Students aim to progress without examinations, lecturers teach with outdated books, and individuals desire success without effort. The pursuit of victory without battle is a common theme, especially in religious circles. However, a victorious life implies struggles and battles. Victory necessitates facing crises and enduring conflicts.
In 2024, don't be deceived by those proclaiming an end to all your challenges. Jesus emphasized that in this world, tribulations are inevitable (John 16:33). Embrace the reality that success often emerges from navigating strife and crises. As children of God, following His instructions allows us to flourish amid life's challenges, understanding that light needs darkness to shine.
In Genesis 26, Isaac, blessed by God, faced strife and conflicts in Gerar despite divine guidance. Even when instructed by God to stay, Isaac encountered opposition and eventually left Gerar. His journey was marked by wells stopped and disputes, yet he persevered, creating new wells and finding success.
Do not expect a smooth path when following God's instructions. Strife may come, but your breakthrough might lie in those very challenges. Do not be discouraged; instead, create opportunities in the face of opposition.
To be continued...
‘Bode Ojoniyi
14 January 2024.
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