Chidi Amuta, a towering figure in Nigerian academia, journalism, and literary circles, marked the public release of his memoir Homage: Return to Familiar Places on September 12, 2026, at Movenpick Hotel in Lagos. The event, held in a sunlit afternoon, drew a curated audience of family, colleagues, and political leaders who gathered to honor the 73-year-old scholar’s life and career. The memoir, a 492-page reflection on the people and experiences that shaped him, was described by attendees as a testament to Amuta’s intellectual legacy and his role in molding Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape.
The gathering, though not large, featured a roll call of Nigeria’s most prominent figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former Rivers State governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, media executive Yemi Ogunbiyi, and former military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida. Each speaker highlighted Amuta’s profound impact, with Otti calling the memoir an 'engaging account' that showcased the author’s 'exceptional literary ability.' Amaechi, who studied under Amuta at the University of Port Harcourt (Uniport), credited him with shaping his 'intellectual outlook and conduct in public life.'
Amuta’s memoir, which traces his journey from a rural childhood in Abia State to his roles as a university lecturer, journalist, and public intellectual, is not his first literary endeavor. His earlier works, such as Theory of African Literature: Implications for Practical Criticism (1989) and Prince of the Niger: The Babangida Years (1992), have been foundational in African literary scholarship. The new book, however, diverges from his academic treatises, offering a deeply personal narrative that intertwines his life with the broader history of Nigeria. 'Homage' is structured as a tribute to the individuals—family, mentors, students, and colleagues—who influenced his trajectory, including his parents, Madam Grace, a peasant farmer, and Wilson, a World War II veteran.
The event’s significance extended beyond personal celebration. Governor Otti emphasized that Amuta’s ability to complete the memoir at 73 challenged perceptions of age as a barrier to intellectual work. 'If you take the book, you’ll probably not be able to put it down,' he remarked, underscoring its narrative power. Amaechi echoed this sentiment, noting that Amuta’s mentorship shaped a generation of Nigerian leaders. 'You’ll be very proud that we took after you in terms of ideology,' he told Amuta, highlighting the author’s role in cultivating political and academic thought in the country.
Yemi Ogunbiyi, a long-time collaborator and media executive, described Amuta as a 'uniquely gifted intellectual' whose work remains relevant despite technological advancements. He recalled their early days at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where Amuta emerged from a period of intense intellectual ferment. Ogunbiyi praised Theory of African Literature as a 'classic that has not been beaten anywhere yet,' noting its enduring influence on African literary criticism.
General Ibrahim Babangida, who once clashed with Amuta over a provocative article, sent a bouquet of flowers through his aide Abbey Ibrahim. In a goodwill message read at the event, Babangida hailed Amuta as a 'national asset' whose 'bold, courageous, and balanced writing' offered insights into Nigeria’s complex challenges. He described Homage as a 'literary and refreshing' account of the author’s journey from a 'modest rural childhood' to a 'notable intellectual.'
Veteran journalist Ray Ekpu, who met Amuta during 1980s debates, praised his contributions to journalism as a 'serious intellectual profession.' He highlighted the 'shared intellectual engagements' between Amuta, Ogunbiyi, and others, framing their work as a cornerstone of Nigerian media. Similarly, former NIMASA director Dakuku Peterside credited Amuta with sharpening his writing skills through 'constant tutelage,' calling him an 'amazing personality.'
Amuta’s children also participated in the event, expressing gratitude for their father’s 'amazing personality' and the 'whole world' he represented. Olusegun Adeniyi, a former presidential aide and ThisDay Newspapers editor, reviewed the memoir as a 'profound record of Nigeria’s journey,' noting its ability to connect personal memory with the nation’s post-colonial history. He praised Amuta for avoiding self-celebration, instead framing his life as a 'witness to the people, institutions, and events that shaped him.'
The memoir’s title, Homage, encapsulates its essence. Amuta described it as 'a journey in many dimensions,' a 'return to the familiar places and personages' that influenced his identity. He emphasized its role as a 'permanent homage to each and to all,' blending biography, intellectual history, and reflections on Nigeria’s 'unfinished national project.' The book’s structure, he noted, reflects a 'trembling encounter with the future of the self and the community.'
Beyond the speeches, the event featured tangible tributes. Guests left with autographed copies of Homage, while Amuta shared a Facebook post expressing gratitude to attendees, including 'IBB, big masquerade; Alex Otti, my younger brother from home; Rotimi Amaechi, my son; Yemi Ogunbiyi, my elder brother and co-traveler of more than five decades.' His message underscored the 'laughter' and 'testimony' of those who gathered, framing the occasion as a collective celebration of friendship and intellectual camaraderie.
Amuta’s career, spanning academia, media, and public service, has left an indelible mark on Nigerian intellectual life. His works have not only shaped literary discourse but also influenced political thought and media ethics. The launch of Homage thus serves as both a personal milestone and a cultural event, reflecting the interplay between individual legacy and national history. As attendees departed, the memoir’s message of gratitude and reflection lingered, reinforcing Amuta’s role as a bridge between Nigeria’s past and its evolving identity.
The event’s resonance lies in its ability to humanize a towering figure. By centering on the people who shaped him, Homage offers a counterpoint to the often-abstract narratives of national progress. For readers, it is a reminder that history is not just written by leaders but also by the mentors, peers, and families who accompany them. As Amuta’s words suggest, the 'familiar places' of memory and community remain vital to understanding the nation’s trajectory.