By Hamilton Nwosa (Head, The New Diplomat Business and data tracking desk)
One of the children of late environmental activist, and president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa, Menegian, has reportedly died of Coronavirus at a London hospital.
A sister to the deceased, in a social media post, who reportedly made the announcement said: “We said goodbye to my brother, Gian, on Monday.
“He had COVID-19 combined with underlying health conditions.
“Gian was the smartest and most talented out of all of us: a champion sprinter at school, a poet, an artist, budding engineer, a self-taught guitarist and pianist. But mental health issues limited his life from age 16 on-wards. I took this photo of him a few months ago before he was hospitalised.
“A kind and beautiful soul, always wanting the best for his family, always praying for our future success while being eternally optimistic about his own. And, of course, always loving his music. He leaves a wonderful son, Louis.”
Menegia, who was 50 at the time of his death has been living in the UK. Recall that late Ken Saro-Wiwa who was greatly loved for his inspirational agitations for the rights of the Ogoni people and the larger Niger Delta was hanged by the military regime of late General Sanni Abacha. Mr Saro-Wiwa was a profound writer, novelist, poet and served the Association of Nigerian Authors in diverse roles.
Born on October 10, 1941, Kenule Beesson Saro-Wiwa was famous for his writings, television production works, environmental activism, and criticism of obnoxious government policies towards the Ogoni people. He won the ” Right to livelihood Award” for exemplary courage in striving in a non-violent manner for civil, environmental and economic rights of the Ogoni people. While alive, he also won the Goldman Environmental Award prize.
