By Dr. Chinedu Aroh
It was nostalgic meeting Dr Andrew Ame-Odindi Aba, whom I proudly call My Academic Father. The opportunity came courtesy of the presentation of his autobiography entitled “My Story” in Makurdi on June 29, 2024.
Crossing the path of this erudite scholar is among the greatest things Nasarawa State University, Keffi, did to me. I last saw Dr Aba face-to-face around 2013. But technology made our rich encounters unhindered. He taught me creative writing, with his critical, incisive, patient and fatherly manner of making sure that I understood his teaching.
I got to the venue very late, no thanks to the monthly clean-up exercise observed in Enugu State where I took off, and the bad state of Makurdi-Oturkpo-Obollo Afor road.
A day after, Dr Aba located me at the palatial home of my bosom friend, ‘Master’ Samuel Mhii, aka Dan Tiv. Dr Aba, now retired from Benue State Varsity, is still agile, eloquent and smiling as he was some 13 years ago. He complained about his feet, but I know he would get over it soon. He fatherly wished me well in my endeavours. He gladly presented two copies of the classical book to me.
I was further overwhelmed when a friend of mine who skimmed through the autobiography drew my attention to a page where my name is mentioned. I thank Dr Aba, and hereby promise to exhibit what he has planted in me both academically and spiritually in my dealings.
I thank Sam Mhii for capturing my encounter with Dr Aba in memorable pictures, though not contracted.
Greetings to my Benue friends and mentors. I couldn’t meet Prof Terhemba Shija, who supervised me at NSUK. Nathaniel Ikyur was also not seen, but we spoke. Abel Kule also unavailable. I hope to return to Makurdi soonest. The residents look relaxed. An Okada rider I hired told me that Gov Alia is performing miracles in Benue.