An anthology of poetry in honour of late Professor Pius Adesanmi has been released.
The late Nigerian-born Canadian professor, writer, literary critic, satirist and columnist died on March 10, 2019, when Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed shortly after take-off.
Titled Wreaths for a Wayfarers, the anthology was published by Daraja Press in Canada.
It features 127 poets from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. It comprises five parts: Wayfarer, Requiems, Homecoming, Selection of Adesanmi’s poems, and Postlude
Edited by Nduka Otiono and Uchechukwu Umezurike, it has been hailed as “historic,” “magisterial,” “powerful,” “remarkable contribution,” “rare accomplishment,” and “poetic affirmation” by leading African scholars and public figures such as Harry Garuba, Toyin Falola, Obioma Nnaemeka, Oby Ezekwesili, Olu Obafemi, and Odia Ofeimum.
According to Otiono, the current edition is for the North American market, and it is slated for launch on March 12 in Ottawa, Canada, as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Institute of African Studies where Adesanmi worked as Director
However, Narrative Landscape Press, Lagos, will publish the Nigerian edition later in the year for the African market, Otiono said.
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the anthology is expected to be donated toward an education fund for the two daughters the writer left behind.
Otiono is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator at the Institute of African Studies, Carleton University, Canada. Umezurike is a PhD Candidate and Vanier Scholar in the English and Film Studies department of the University of Alberta, Canada.
