BY CHUKWUMA CHIBUEZE, Owerrri
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Distinguished Professor Damian Ugwutikiri Opata, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Professorial Chair Endowment Programme.
This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu,
Global Publicity Secretary,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, expressed deep sadness over the loss, acknowledging Professor Opata’s commitment and invaluable contributions to the organisation. Mbata had in the past commended the Professor’s leadership of the Endowment Programme’s selection process, describing it as transparent and merit-driven.
"Professor Opata was a distinguished scholar of English and Literary Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His academic career spanned decades of teaching, research and university administration. He was widely recognised for his scholarship on African literature, Igbo worldview, traditional values and culture, leaving behind a rich body of academic publications."
According to his family, he would be buried today, 17 October 2026, in his hometown of Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, the academic community and the entire Igbo nation. "May his soul rest in perfect peace."
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