Cyprian Ekwensi Biography, Age ,Net Worth, Wiki, Real Name, Children, Instagram, Parents, partner

Cyprian Ekwensi, born on September 26, 1921, in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, was a prolific Nigerian writer known for his impactful novels, short stories, and contributions to the literary world. Hailing from Nkwelle Ezunaka in Anambra State, Ekwensi’s journey through various educational institutions and diverse career experiences shaped his unique storytelling perspective.

Educational Sojourn:

Ekwensi’s educational journey took him through Government College in Ibadan, Achimota College in Ghana, and the School of Forestry in Ibadan. He later studied pharmacy at Yaba Technical Institute, Lagos School of Pharmacy, and the Chelsea School of Pharmacy at the University of London, showcasing his diverse academic interests.

Career Path:

Ekwensi embarked on his career as a forestry officer at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria before transitioning to teaching at Igbobi College. His journey continued through roles in the Ministry of Information and the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, where he rose to the position of Director. Notably, he played a significant role in the Bureau for External Publicity during the period preceding Biafra’s reabsorption by Nigeria.

Cyprian Ekwensi’s Literary Legacy:

Ekwensi’s literary contributions are vast, spanning novels, children’s books, radio and television screenplays, and numerous short stories. “People of the City” (1954) marked his first widespread success, while “Jagua Nana” (1961) became his most popular work. Other notable pieces include “Burning Grass” (1961), “Beautiful Feathers” (1963), and “Divided We Stand” (1980). Ekwensi continued to publish well into the 1990s.

Cyprian Ekwensi’s Personal Life:

Married to Eunice Anyiwo, Ekwensi was a family man with five children and numerous grandchildren. His legacy lives on through his descendants, including Adrianne Tobechi Ekwensi and Cyprian Ikechi Ekwensi, who carries his grandfather’s name. On November 4, 2007, Cyprian Ekwensi passed away at the Niger Foundation in Enugu, leaving behind a rich literary heritage.

Bibliography:

Ekwensi’s bibliography includes a wide array of works, from early novels like “The Boa Suitor” (1949) to later releases such as “Gone to Mecca” (1991) and “Cash on Delivery” (2007). His contributions to children’s literature are evident in works like “Masquerade Time” (1994).

Awards and Honors:

Ekwensi received the Dag Hammarskjöld International Prize in Literature in 1969 and became a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) awarded him a posthumous medal of honor, recognizing his lasting impact on African literature.

FAQs:

1. Q: What is Cyprian Ekwensi’s most famous work? A: “Jagua Nana” (1961) is considered Cyprian Ekwensi’s most popular and acclaimed novel.
2. Q: How many children did Cyprian Ekwensi have? A: Cyprian Ekwensi was blessed with five children.
3. Q: When did Cyprian Ekwensi pass away? A: Cyprian Ekwensi passed away on November 4, 2007, at the Niger Foundation in Enugu.

Conclusion:

Cyprian Ekwensi’s life and literary journey continue to inspire generations of readers. From his early works to later contributions, his storytelling prowess remains a significant part of Nigeria’s literary tapestry. This blog post pays tribute to a literary icon whose words continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.