Wole Adedoyin interviews Akinfenwa Olanrewaju Poetry has a Way of Piercing the Heart of its Readers

WA: CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AS A POET?
AKINFENWA: My name is Akinfenwa Olanrewaju. I am a 22-year-old Nigerian currently studying English Literature at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. I have been writing poetry since my senior secondary school days. As a student of English Literature, I continue to enhance my knowledge and skills daily through the teachings and guidance of my lecturers.

WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS POETRY COMPETITION?
AKINFENWA: A friend and fellow English student from Lagos State University informed me about the African Human Rights Poetry Competition.

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPETITION?
AKINFENWA: I am always enthusiastic about participating in competitions or events that involve poetry.

WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOUR POEM FOCUS ON?
AKINFENWA: My poem centers on a theme I would not strictly categorize as a human rights issue. It addresses the deception of the public by politicians, particularly during election periods. I believe that many societal problems stem from the absence of trustworthy leadership. It is difficult to trust leaders who are known for making promises they fail to keep.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR THEME FOR YOUR POEM?
AKINFENWA: I chose this theme because of how easily politicians seem to deceive the masses during elections. Often, their tenure turns out to be worse than that of their predecessors.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION OR STORY BEHIND YOUR SUBMITTED POEM?
AKINFENWA: One day, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across the manifestos of both present and past Nigerian presidents. I was struck by how appealing their promises sounded compared to the disappointing realities experienced by citizens during their tenures.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR POETIC STYLE OR APPROACH TO WRITING ON SOCIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?
AKINFENWA: I like to give my speaker an emotional voice, one that reflects lived reality and makes the struggle feel personal. I usually begin by introducing the issue and conclude with a message of hope. This reflects my belief that we must never lose hope and must continue striving to build a better society for ourselves and future generations.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHILE WRITING YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS COMPETITION?
AKINFENWA: The main challenge I faced was choosing a theme. I was uncertain whether my choice would be accepted since it was not a conventional human rights topic, even though it clearly relates to social issues that indirectly affect human rights.

WA: HOW DO YOU THINK POETRY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFRICA?
AKINFENWA: When poetry speaks, it carries the voice of the people. It reflects the social realities of society and can inform individuals about their roles in promoting human rights. However, its effectiveness depends on how well it reaches the masses in this modern era.

WA: IN WHAT WAYS HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION BROADENED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS?
AKINFENWA: While thinking about a theme, I reflected on the many human rights challenges facing Africa. This made me realize how much progress is still needed across the continent.

WA: WERE THERE ANY OTHER POETS IN THE COMPETITION THAT INSPIRED YOU?
AKINFENWA: No, I was not aware of other participants in the competition.

WA: WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR POEM?
AKINFENWA: I want readers to better understand the realities of governance and elections. They should not be swayed by sweet words alone but should pay attention to actions. Above all, they should hold on to hope, believing that difficult times will pass.

WA: HOW HAS THIS COMPETITION SHAPED YOUR GROWTH AS A POET AND HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE?
AKINFENWA: Giving voice to social issues through my poetry has encouraged me to address topics that many people avoid. I want to present reality as it is while also showing how things can improve if we all play our part.

WA: DO YOU BELIEVE POETRY HAS A UNIQUE ROLE IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS? WHY?
AKINFENWA: Yes, I do. Poetry has a way of piercing the hearts of its readers. With the right message, it can communicate effectively, educate people about human rights, and inspire action.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE COMPETING WITH POETS FROM OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES?
AKINFENWA: It is encouraging to see the unity among African writers working towards initiatives that aim to improve the continent.

WA: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND THE THEMES IN YOUR POETRY?
AKINFENWA: In my poetry, the voices of my speakers reflect a spontaneous overflow of my own powerful emotions.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR POETRY WILL HAVE ON AFRICAN SOCIETIES AND THE GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT?
AKINFENWA: I hope my poetry will help people realize the power of their collective voice and the strength they possess when they unite for a positive cause.

WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE USING POETRY AS A TOOL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY?
AKINFENWA: I will continue addressing societal issues through my work, with the hope that it not only touches hearts but also enlightens people about their rights and the importance of upholding them.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ENTRANTS OF THIS COMPETITION?
AKINFENWA: I would advise them to stay true to the theme while expressing themselves freely. They should not be overwhelmed by the competitive aspect but remain focused on contributing meaningfully to society.

WA: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR PUBLICATIONS?
AKINFENWA: I am currently working on a collection of poems centered on social realism, reflecting the lived experiences and conditions of people in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.

Akinfenwa Olanrewaju is a 22-year-old Nigerian and a student of English Literature at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. He began writing poetry during his senior secondary school years and has since nurtured a deep passion for the craft. As an undergraduate of English Literature, he continues to refine his knowledge and creative skills through the insights and guidance of his lecturers, steadily developing his voice as a poet. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he reflects on his works.