Wole Adedoyin interviews Nwakpa Gilbert Arinze: In Africa, Human Rights Issues are Complicated and Remain One of the Most Disturbing Nightmares of Our Century

WA: CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AS A POET?
NWAKPA: My name is Nwakpa Gilbert Arinze, from Amagu in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. I am a graduate of English Language and Literature from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I am a versatile writer who works across major literary genres—prose, poetry, and drama. Although I focus more on prose narrative, my passion for poetry runs deep. I began writing poems in secondary school for pleasure, entertainment, and enlightenment. The emotions and energy I pour into my poetry stem from a deep awareness of the social issues confronting our society.

WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS POETRY COMPETITION?
NWAKPA: I came across the call for entries through a WhatsApp community of the Association of Young Nigerian Writers.

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPETITION?
NWAKPA: Human rights issues in Africa are complex and remain one of the most disturbing nightmares of our time. The well-being and freedom of the common person are constantly under threat. I felt compelled to join the global conversation—to write, speak, protest, and advocate against injustice, oppression, and the suppression of fundamental human rights.

WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOUR POEM FOCUS ON?
NWAKPA: My poem, Headbridge Tears, addresses child labour and brutality.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR HUMAN RIGHTS THEME?
NWAKPA: I chose child labour and brutality because of their prevalence and devastating effects on underprivileged children in my environment. Across Nigeria—especially in the eastern region—one constantly encounters poor teenagers forced into street hawking under harsh conditions. Their cries and struggles are impossible to ignore.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE THE STORY BEHIND YOUR POEM?
NWAKPA: In 2023, shortly before my NYSC orientation in Taraba State, I visited my sister in Ogidi, Anambra State. While passing through Onitsha, from Opaiweka to Headbridge, I saw over a hundred children hawking in heavy traffic. They were dirty, exhausted, and burdened with heavy loads. I felt deeply troubled—these children should have been in school. When I later traveled to Jalingo in Taraba State, the situation was even worse. Children in tattered clothes roamed the streets, carrying heavy goods and eating unhealthy food. Some were beaten for not making enough sales. I had seen similar incidents in Abakaliki, where a woman nearly beat her maid to death over poor sales. These experiences stayed with me and inspired the poem.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR POETIC STYLE?
NWAKPA: My writing is largely shaped by social realities, especially human rights issues. I blend imagination with real-life events and experiences. I often use vivid imagery and local symbols to depict societal conditions. Structurally, I prefer free verse with simple diction to enhance readability, even when expressing deep emotions.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHILE WRITING YOUR ENTRY?
NWAKPA: The greatest challenge was finding the right words, imagery, and structure. Poetry demands precision. Interestingly, I completed the poem without a title—it took several days of revision before I finally found one that fit.

WA: HOW CAN POETRY PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFRICA?
NWAKPA: Poetry is a powerful medium for expressing human emotions and social realities. Though sometimes seen as complex, it can spark meaningful conversations and critical analysis. When poets simplify their language while retaining depth, poetry becomes an effective tool for awareness, reorientation, and advocacy.

WA: HOW HAS THIS COMPETITION SHAPED YOUR PERSPECTIVE?
NWAKPA: Although I have not yet been longlisted, the experience has been part of my growth. It has strengthened my resolve to keep writing and advocating. Through research and engagement, I have come to believe that the world’s greatest challenge is a lack of fairness. Human rights awareness is essential for a just and thriving society.

WA: WHAT MESSAGE SHOULD READERS TAKE FROM YOUR POEM?
NWAKPA: Readers should learn to care for and support the underprivileged. We must treat others as we would like to be treated. Kindness, love, and compassion are essential to human growth.

WA: HOW HAS THE COMPETITION IMPACTED YOUR ADVOCACY?
NWAKPA: It has given me confidence and credibility. The certificates I’ve received over the years reinforce my dedication to advocating against human rights abuses.

WA: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR LIFE AND YOUR POETRY?
NWAKPA: My poetry is deeply rooted in personal and observed experiences. Growing up, I witnessed many cases of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Children sent to cities for work often faced starvation, violence, or even death. Some were victims of abuse or exploitation by guardians. These painful realities shape my writing.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR POETRY WILL HAVE?
NWAKPA: I hope my work will inspire reflection and action. Literature mirrors society, and through it, we can confront uncomfortable truths and push for change.

WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE USING POETRY FOR ADVOCACY?
NWAKPA: I will continue to write to educate, entertain, and advocate. I also plan to produce more extensive works addressing human rights issues in Africa.

WA: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FUTURE ENTRANTS?
NWAKPA: Keep writing consistently. Don’t wait for submission deadlines—develop your craft continuously. Human rights advocacy goes beyond competitions; it is a responsibility we all share.

WA: ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS?
NWAKPA: Yes. My second novel, Great Escape, is nearing publication. I am also working on a poetry collection covering themes such as the environment, politics, and nature.

Nwakpa Gilbert Arinze hails from Amagu, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education (English) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Arinze is a multifaceted professional who excels as a teacher, editor, graphic designer, and creative writer. He has a deep passion for poetry and prose, with his works featured in notable anthologies such as The Fifth and Sixth Chinua Achebe Essay and Poetry Anthology, Hope Project, and Amazing Young Writer’s Blog.
Notably, he represented Nigerian students in the 2020 Cultural Exchange Competition with students of Ulster University, Northern Ireland. He is also the author of the children’s novella Upbringing Makes A Difference.