Nkrumah Bankong-Obi

Jazzhole on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, is a perfect venue for any discussion bothering on the things of the mind. For certainty, apart from patrons of the bookshop, the only other uninvited guests likely to eavesdrop into discussions in the expansive arts centre are: books, compact discs, magazines, frescoes of varying sizes and perhaps a perfect collage of assorted beverage condiments for the refreshment pleasure of patrons who desire a drink. It was in this ambience that Chief Frank Aig-Imoukuede ensconced with a team from this magazine to share his life experiences, his foray into literary and general creative contributions to our national growth and his post-service activist disposition.

At 80, you would have expected him to be frail. Memory should ordinarily have sunken and the power of recalling events totally blurred by the passage of time. But that is not the case with this statesman. As he sauntered into the bookshop, his gait was graceful, with the grey hair speaking much of the wisdom he has accumulated.

•Frank Aig-Imoukhuede

And for three hours, he betrayed every tinge of the fact that on 8 January, he turned 80. He sat throughout the interview session, recalling events and incidents with ease. His agility and clarity of speech could tempt one to think Pa Aig-Imoukhuede is perhaps just turning 60. The march to the top for this culture impresario was not always coated in sweetness. Indeed, his is the story of the triumph of perseverance over adversity.

Born in 1935, he lost his dad just as he turned three. From then on, his mother took up the responsibility of his parentage. And this she discharged creditably, bequeathing to the nation, a man who, like a muster seed, has grown from little to become a forceful voice in Nigeria’s national life. Married to Mrs. Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, herself a historian and an active voice in the culture industry, they are blessed with high-achieving children, including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a prominent banker. His immediate siblings have also attained great heights in their chosen careers. Mrs. Mabel Segun epitomises the creativity that flows in the family. In politics, his extended family is represented, among others by Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State. Pa Imoukhuede, apart from his varied contributions to other aspects of culture, has written plays including; Munchi Charm, Alente Tatakumi, The Secret of the Rainbow.

How would you describe your years of childhood?

I had a mother who was very caring. I did not know my father but I had an idea of who he was because I once saw a giant (my father was a six-footer) rebuking my brother.

Who was your brother?

My brother is Ikpehi Aig-Imoukhuede, a renowned journalist.

When you said you didn’t know your father, what exactly did you mean? He died?

Yes. He died when I was three years old. There were certain impressions that I had of him. He was an assistant scout master-general for Nigeria and started the first Oyo troop. A lot of scouting events and activities happened around him. He was also a Reverend. That was why I knew at the age of three, those scout songs. My mother also confirmed his involvement with the scout later on. I saw the boys scout carry him round in a cycle and I knew him through those things and my reflections of him as a tall being. I had to keep moving with my mum. So, If you see me have a particular approach to women, I think you should trace it to my mum whom I was so much used to. Through her, I cultivated the respect for women and hard work; she was very hard working. She was born in 1907; her husband died in 1938 and she had five children.

What were the names of these children?

The first one was Juliana Ebun. She was the first child; she worked as a librarian in the United States Information Service (USIS).

The next one, who died, was a boy. He was followed by Mabel Segun who was followed by Ikpehi Aig-Imoukhuede, who was at The Times and worked in the Ministry and was the press attache; then me, followed by my younger brother, who I saw one moment and the next moment he was dead. He was playing in the rain and suddenly caught pneumonia. My younger brother died shortly after my father died. And I had to go with my mum. One day he (my father) went to school with a wrapper round his neck and said he wanted to go to school. Fortunately, someone from outside the area intervened on his behalf, and that was how he started going to school. He also played cricket and was at a training school where he was selected for catechical training because somebody had failed on the way. They were looking for someone to complete that set and someone said call that young man there! They called him and he joined them in the second year and still topped class.

My father also taught in one or two places, started a school in Urhoboland and then went to Ondo where he worked with the Vicar as a head master. The superintendent for the area was the man who became Bishop S.E. Philips and he wrote a primer for the school in Ora.

He also had a hymn book in my language and started among other things, the first large farm in the area which was 32 acres. He was a clergyman and a member of the synod. There was just one synod of 29 members including four bishops.