HUNDREDS of Nigerians gathered at the Unity Fountain Park, in Abuja, between 4 pm and 7 pm on Wednesday for a candlelight vigil in memory of late Professor Pius Adesanmi.
Adesanmi, a satirist, columnist, literary critic, and professor of Literature and African studies at Canada-based Carleton University, died on Sunday morning following the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft, with157 persons on board.
The candlelight gathering, organised by friends of the late professor and themed ‘Memorialising Pius Adesanmi: Power of the Civic Space’ was attended by writers, politicians, activists, journalists, civil society actors, among others.
Tributes were read by various persons as they signed a condolence register. There was also a candlelight procession after prayer was offered for the family of the departed scholar.
Here are photos from the event taken and compiled by The ICIR:
Attendants hold candles shortly before the processionAttendants hold candles shortly before the processionAttendants hold candles shortly before the procession‘Unbent, unbowed, unbroken,’ one person writes on a banner for short descriptions of the deceased.Attendants filled Adesanmi’s condolence registerSenate president Bukola Saraki speaks on what he’s learnt about Pius AdesanmiDino Melaye, senator representing Kogi West, speaks admiringly of Pius AdesanmiDeji Adeyanju, human rights activist, listens to tributes after signing condolence registerAbubakar Adam Ibrahim, award-winning author and journalist, in a conversation with friendsTope Fasua, 2019 ANRP presidential candidate, pays tribute to the late scholarBBOG campaigner Maurine Kabrik, shares her encounters with Pius AdesanmiProfessor Jibrin ‘Jibo’ Ibrahim praises Adesanmi’s style of scholarshipAisha Yesufu, co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls Group, moderates the eventAbdul Mahmud, lawyer, poet and close friend of Adesanmi, among other things, recites a poem in his honourA young poet recites a poem, titled ‘Off the Stage’, in honour of AdesanmiHamzat Lawal, founder of Connected Development, pays tribute to Adesanmi, says he was not blessed to have had a physical encounter with himAmina Miango Usman, one of Adesanmi’s followers on Facebook, describes his page as a “big classroom”Omowunmi E.O, Adesanmi’s cousin, narrates how Adesanmi’s frank intervention advanced her career prospectsA schoolmate of the late professor and the paramount ruler of Isanlu, Oba Moses, says “brother Pius” spoke the truth at all times, made a huge impact and lived a fulfilled life
'Kunle works with The ICIR as an investigative reporter and fact-checker. You can shoot him an email via [email protected] or, if you're feeling particularly generous, follow him on Twitter @KunleBajo.
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