Prof. Ernest Emenyonu Pays Tribute to Late Joop Berkhout

 

PROF. ERNEST EMENYONU PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE JOOP BERKHOUT

 

By Wole Adedoyin

Professor Ernest Nneji Emenyonu, Emeritus Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Joop Berkhout, a significant figure in the world of Nigerian literature and publishing. Emenyonu, who is regarded as one of the foremost scholars on African literature globally, shared his deep admiration and personal connection with Berkhout, highlighting their longstanding friendship and professional collaboration.

Emenyonu fondly recalled his close relationship with Joop Berkhout, noting that they remained in constant communication up until Berkhout’s passing. "We were talking about the autobiography of Cyprian Ekwensi as late as 2020. Cyprian and I visited Joop Berkhout many times over the years," Emenyonu remarked. "His contribution to the world of literature, particularly Nigerian literature, is immeasurable, and he will be greatly missed."

Professor Emenyonu, who is known for his groundbreaking work on African literature, including his celebrated biography of Chinua Achebe and The Rise of the Igbo Novel, emphasized Berkhout’s crucial role in the promotion and publication of Nigerian authors. He noted that Berkhout’s impact went beyond simply publishing books; his efforts helped shape the future of Nigerian literature on the global stage.

Berkhout, who lived in Nigeria for over 54 years, played a key role in the careers of several Nigerian writers, including Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, and many others. Emenyonu explained that Berkhout was instrumental in publishing landmark works such as Jaguar Nana and Divided We Stand: A Novel of the Nigerian Civil War, helping to bring these significant narratives to a global audience.

During a time when many foreign publishers were withdrawing from the Nigerian market, Berkhout remained steadfast. He was pivotal in the transition from Evans Publishers to Spectrum and later to Safari Publishers. Emenyonu credited Berkhout with being a pillar in the Nigerian publishing industry during a critical period. His resilience in the face of adversity helped sustain a growing literary culture that continues to thrive today.

Emenyonu’s deep respect for Berkhout was rooted in his firsthand experience of the publisher’s dedication. He recounted how Berkhout always made time for writers, offering both guidance and practical support. "Joop didn’t just stay because of the business; he stayed because he believed in the power of Nigerian literature to influence the world. He helped so many Nigerian writers get their voices heard," Emenyonu said.

The late Joop Berkhout’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless writers, publishers, and scholars he supported during his time in Nigeria. Emenyonu emphasized that Berkhout’s work is now an indelible part of the history of Nigerian literature, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.

"In remembering Joop, we are reminded of the immense contributions of those who dedicate their lives to the preservation and promotion of culture. Joop Berkhout was one such person, and Nigerian literature owes much of its global visibility to him," Emenyonu concluded.