Tribute to Edet Amana at 80

SIR: From his first term in the sixth form at King’s College, the celebrant served notice that he was a genius. He was one of the invaders from a school somewhere in Eastern Nigeria which none of us had ever heard about. Nevertheless, he turned the examination questions in Mathematics; Additional Mathematics; Physics and Chemistry (plus the compulsory General Paper) into an effortless stroll in the park – with distinctions in all the subjects at the Higher School Certificate (HSC) level.

The college could not get rid of him quickly enough!! He spent only two years and became a Floreat. He had no time for distractions – sports, picnics, films and least of all chasing girls. He was totally focused on his daily routine of classroom, librar y and back to the classroom. The only exemption was Church on Sunday.

He was disturbing everybody with his immense brilliance regardless of the fact that virtually all his classmates had been admitted on the basis of their excellent academic performance at the School Certificate level.

As confirmation that the celebrant’s excellent performance at King’s College was not a fluke, he inflicted the same punishment on Imperial College, London where he scored stratospheric distinctions as an undergraduate in Civil/structural engineering followed by masters and doctorate degrees to the astonishment of his world class lecturers, professors and mentors.

There is not much else to add other than to record the celebrant’s venture into professional practice, business, politics, community service and religion.

Alas, all things bright and beautiful, Nigeria frustrates, contaminates and destroys them all.

Thankfully and fortunately, Dr. Edet Amana survived and triumphed.

To God be the glory. Now at the glorious dawn of 80, having firmly established his unassailable credentials as a husband, father and grandfather, Amana is a more rounded personality with outstanding achievements as well as recognition locally and internationally – as an icon in science/engineering; captain of industry/banking; a pillar of the Methodist Church and formidable politician/ community leader.

At the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, where he sits at Table 2, his unassuming manner, friendly disposition and engaging intellect have conspired to shield him as the quietest billionaire in the club.

While wishing you many more years in good health and abundant blessings of the Almighty, “Floreat”!!