Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, has mourned the death of literary giant, Gabriel Okara.
Okara’s death was announced on Monday after his passage at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa.
In a statement on Tuesday by Sylva’s spokesman, Julius Bokoru, the former governor said Okara’s death should not be overtaken by mourning, but by celebration of a life well lived.
Sylva said that he studied the poems of Okara in his undergraduate years and beyond.
“Particular, is the poem Call of the River Nun which is one of the most aesthetic and philosophical portrayal of the complex, but natural relation of life and death.
“Piano On Drums, on the other hand, like it must have been for millions around the world, was an artistic guide in navigating the maze of culture shock at various points of earlier years.
“A colossus has passed, but not without leaving prints on the sands of time and setting standards for literary and intellectual excellence.
“Okara’s passing is not one to mourn; it is for celebration and for pride and for the marking of a platinum point in cultural mileage.
“Our regards must go to the Okara family for presenting Bayelsa, Nigeria and the world with such a titan who added value to all our lives,” Sylva said.
Bayelsa government, on Monday, declared three days of mourning for Okara.
