Dr. Charles Iornumbe
The picture below shows my last encounter with Prof. Saint Tsavnav Gbilekaa in his office at the University of Abuja Jan:9: 2024.
While in his office, I handed over to him, copies of my publications. When the University of Abuja was to establish the Wole Soyinka Centre, Prof. Gbilekaa’s name was shortlisted as the Pioneer Director. I broke the news to Kongi.
After a few months, the story changed. Someone else was appointed to head the office; but Prof wasn’t worried. The last time I checked, I learnt that he was in Nassarawa State University, Keffi on sabbatical leave.
I interviewed Prof. Gbilekaa on Radio Benue Personality Programme VIEWPOINT in 2009 while serving as Chief of Staff to the then Governor Gabriel Suswam. During the interview I asked him what the name ‘Tsavnav’ stood for and what he thought was the reason why his parents gave him that name.
After answering the questions, I followed it with why as a Christian, he would accept two contradictory names: Saint and Tsavnav.
Prof told me that if I were an examiner, I would ‘ve been a terrible one.
Today Prof is no more. God knows why. My heart bleeds and I am deeply pained by this demise.
While I express my deepest sympathies with the entire Sankera people over the loss of this vibrant specie of academic, I pray God to grant his soul eternal rest, amen.
Adieu!
