Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the death of popular Nigerian-Canadian academic and socio-political commentator, Prof. Pius Adesanmi in Sunday’s Ethiopian Airlines crash.
Until his death, Adesanmi was the Director of the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University, Canada.
Adesanmi, who was carrying a Canadian passport, was one of two Nigerians among the 157 passengers and eight crew that died in the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines 320 crash.
Even if we make that trip to Ottawa someday, there would be no Pius Adesanmi to see. Everything changes too quickly when you are getting older. I always dreaded the days I’d grow to know those who died. As a child, I never knew whoever died, I just saw adults mourn, like I now do
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) March 10, 2019
Egbon Pius. No-nonsense man, but also a full-igbadun kinda guy. Brilliant, incisive, prolific, witty, and with a boundless gift for friendship and mentorship. Now he’s gone, just like that. RIP, @pius_adesanmi; you were supposed to be around muuuchhh longer.
— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) March 10, 2019
I have to write a ONE-page memo for my 11 AM class today, but unable to sustain the clarity of thoughts to produce it. I should’ve done this before this grief hit me. I cry easily, but I don’t always do so with a memory this size – apologies to @elnathan_john. Oh, @pius_adesanmi!
— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) March 11, 2019
President @MBuhari has condoled the death of two Nigerians, Ambassador Abiodun Bashua and Professor @Pius_Adesanmi in the Ethiopian Airlines plane which crashed with 149 passengers and crew on aboard on Sunday. #RIP!
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) March 10, 2019
Rest in Peace @pius_adesanmi. Wow. Just like that? We'll never see again? Travel well, brother! pic.twitter.com/KMbzJdY11o
— Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún (@kolatubosun) March 10, 2019
Prof. Pius Adesanmi made the IAS at Carleton home, for me and many African students in Ottawa. We went to his office without setting up appointments. And he took all of us seriously. He wanted to know our dreams and ambitions. He told us we were capable of great things.
— Halima Sogbesan (@jumokesogbesan) March 10, 2019
How I wish @pius_adesanmi can come online just 1 more time, to see what people are saying about him. To see what he meant to people, to the nation and Africa. I want him to know that. To testify. But the star has set forth already.#PiusAdesanmi #ET302
— A. I. Adamu (@isasquare) March 10, 2019
Nigeria loses one of our finest brains. A Professor of African Studies, Late Mr. Pius Adesanmi.#EthiopianAirlineCrash.
Still in shock.
Goodnight Sir. pic.twitter.com/rzZZCbzxdL
— Chidiebele Cy Obika (@ObikaCy) March 10, 2019
May our God comfort all the families of all the victims of this catastrophic Ethiopian Airline crash.
May he grant them and the beloved family of our Unforgettable brother, Professor Pius Adesanmi His peace that passes all understanding.
Life confounds. Life confounds.
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) March 10, 2019
Ashes and dust.
Ashes and dust
That's all we are.
That's all we'll end up as.
The whys, wherefores, and hows won't always be clear.
Or be fair.
You knew this, & lived selflessly, Prof. Pius Adesanmi.
Rest in peace, soldier.
From dust we came.
To dust we return #PiusAdesanmi 💔 pic.twitter.com/jj8lTJHF6q
— Ruona J. Meyer (@RGAMeyer) March 10, 2019
The world has lost a fine intellectual, one of a rare breed of thinkers and good governance advocate. It’s confirmed, people, we lost Professor Pius Adesanmi in that Ethiopian Airlines crash. 💔 pic.twitter.com/J68sgftB1b
— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) March 10, 2019
My condolences to friends, students and family of Professor @pius_adesanmi! He was a good friend, mentor and supportive colleague. He was committed to good governance and development of higher education in Nigeria and Africa. May his gentle soul rest in peace! Good night, sir! pic.twitter.com/qYdj9Mkwl6
— Dr. Aminu Gamawa (@aminugamawa) March 10, 2019
Professor Pius Adesanmi will be remembered for how he brought scholarship to progressive advocacy. His numerous followers on the social media will miss his insightful contribution towards a better Nigeria. I pray his soul will forever Rest In Peace.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 10, 2019