Wole Adedoyin interviews Divine Ogooluwa: My Writings are Mainly Inspired by Real-Life Events and Feelings

WA: CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AS A POET?
DIVINE: I am a young, talented, and prolific Nigerian writer, and an aspiring author. My background as a poet is quite eventful. As a conditional introvert, writing became my only medium of expression without limits. In a few words, my pen and journal have been my closest companions.

 WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS POETRY COMPETITION?
DIVINE: A friend told me about it.

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPETITION?
DIVINE: My friend was the first source of inspiration. Also, I have always been looking for ways to contribute to positive change in society in my own little way, and the competition presented a golden opportunity I could not miss.

WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOUR POEM FOCUS ON?
DIVINE: My poem explores the transition between past and present Africa, addressing major human rights issues such as gender inequality, racism, the legacy of the slave trade, and economic disparity.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR HUMAN RIGHTS THEME FOR YOUR POEM?
DIVINE: There was no single specific reason.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION OR STORY BEHIND YOUR SUBMITTED POEM?
DIVINE: The inspiration behind my poem is reflection. I thought back to times when my parents and grandparents shared beautiful and heroic stories about Africa. Today, those stories almost feel like folktales.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR POETIC STYLE OR APPROACH TO WRITING ON SOCIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?
DIVINE: My poetic style is practical and expressive. I do not believe in sugarcoating reality or trying to make things appear better than they truly are.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHILE WRITING YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS COMPETITION?
DIVINE: Honestly, I experienced frequent writer’s block and had to deal with conflicting ideas.

WA: HOW DO YOU THINK POETRY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFRICA?
DIVINE: Poetry goes beyond words; it has a unique way of connecting with readers and influencing their thoughts and actions. Because of this, it can play a significant role in promoting human rights in Africa.

WA: IN WHAT WAYS HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION CHANGED OR BROADENED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS?
DIVINE: It has deepened my interest and strengthened my desire to see human rights treated as a major issue that concerns everyone, regardless of class, age, or nationality.

WA: WERE THERE ANY OTHER POEMS OR POETS IN THE COMPETITION THAT PARTICULARLY MOVED OR INSPIRED YOU?
DIVINE: No.

WA: WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR POEM?
DIVINE: I hope readers understand that Africa can be whole again if we all work towards it actively and collectively, even in small ways, because those efforts truly matter.

WA: HOW HAS THIS COMPETITION HELPED SHAPE YOUR GROWTH AS A POET AND AS A HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE?
DIVINE: It has instilled in me a stronger sense of patriotism and responsibility.

WA: DO YOU BELIEVE POETRY HAS A UNIQUE ROLE IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES? WHY?
DIVINE: Yes. Poetry is not just an art; it is born from the heart and speaks directly to the hearts of readers. It connects people across cultures and languages, making it a powerful tool for raising awareness about human rights. Poetry does not just reflect reality—it dares to reimagine a better one.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE COMPETING WITH POETS FROM OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES?DIVINE: It was quite interesting. It fostered a sense of unity and motivated me to give my best.

WA: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE EXPERIENCES AND THE THEMES YOU EXPLORE IN YOUR POETRY?
DIVINE: There is a strong connection between my personal experiences and the themes in my poetry. My writings are mainly inspired by real-life events and emotions.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR POETRY WILL HAVE ON BOTH AFRICAN SOCIETIES AND THE GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT?
DIVINE: Through my poetry, I hope to spark meaningful conversations, awaken minds, and inspire action against systems of silence and oppression. Globally, I want my work to give a voice to the voiceless and serve as a bridge that connects people across borders. I hope it inspires young Africans to rise, reclaim their identity, and rewrite their story with pride. Ultimately, I want my poetry to ignite change.

WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE USING POETRY AS A TOOL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY?
DIVINE: I plan to build a strong presence both online and offline, using my platform to contribute to human rights advocacy.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ENTRANTS OF THIS COMPETITION?
DIVINE: It is not just about the prize or recognition. It is about using this platform to make our voices heard and to represent our continent. Let your poetry become a powerful force for change. In simple terms, see this competition as a call to action.

WA: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING POETRY PROJECTS OR PUBLICATIONS YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?DIVINE: I am currently working on documenting my journey through purpose. It is a process filled with ups and downs, which is why I am writing it down—as both a personal guide and a roadmap for others.
Title: Building – Becoming – Birthing

Divine Ogooluwa is a young, talented, and prolific Nigerian writer with a growing passion for storytelling and literary expression. As an aspiring author, she has demonstrated remarkable dedication to honing her craft, channeling her creativity into works that reflect both imagination and insight. Her writing journey is shaped by a deep love for words and a commitment to developing a unique voice in contemporary Nigerian literature. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, Divine Ogooluwa speaks candidly about her experiences as a writer, shedding light on the inspirations behind her work and the challenges she encounters along the way.