It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ekpe Inyang, a celebrated Anglophone Cameroonian writer, environmentalist, and a highly cherished member of our publishing community. Ekpe passed away in Buea on April 12, 2026, following an illness.
Born on September 15, 1963, he was a member of the Korob (Korup) ethnic group in the Ndian Division of Cameroon’s South West Region and dedicated his life to bridging literature and ecological conservation. A Chevening scholar with a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Strathclyde, he was not only a gifted playwright and poet but also a devoted champion of environmental education, making invaluable contributions through his work with the WWF, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and other vital organizations.
At Spears Books, we had the distinct honor of publishing two of his insightful poetry collections. His 2020 volume, Just a Bend, offered an inspiring exploration of the human predicament—addressing marginalization and environmental distress while ultimately celebrating hope, love, and resilience. He followed this in 2022 with Tastes of Nature, a stunning collection that reflected his deep commitment to conservation. In it, he thoughtfully challenged readers to consider our complex interactions with the natural world and gracefully invited us to help nature heal itself.
Ekpe’s spirit and generosity extended far beyond his own work. He was a pillar of our literary family who graciously wrote blurbs for numerous other Spears titles and brought wonderful energy as a participant in our inaugural Spears Poetry Fest in 2020. His exceptional talent was widely recognized, notably when he received the Eko Prize for Emerging Anglophone Cameroon Writer-Poetry.
Through his art and activism, Ekpe assumed the dual role of a teacher and a crusader. As he wrote in his own work, life’s inevitable bends should be taken as moments for deep reflection rather than despair. Today, we reflect on the immense loss of an extraordinary talent, a dedicated conservationist, and a dear friend and author.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and readers everywhere. His legacy will forever remain rooted in the verses he leaves behind.
