Students, faculty, staff, and guests were greeted to poetic renditions on Saturday, November 9, 2019, when the AUN Poetry Club organized an event tagged "A Spoken Word Affair" at the Library Auditorium.
An auspicious gathering of student-poets at the auditorium
In an ambiance of peace, calmness, and literary decorum
The atmosphere had a tell-tale sign of a calm poetic forum
A constellation of like-minds, assembling to form a quorum
Soft music playing in the background, so pleasant to the eardrum
So peaceful, devoid of noise, confusion, and its attendant tantrum
Artistic performance and rendition in the diverse poetic spectrum
Reeling out words and rhythm, enticing and teasing attendees' cerebrum
A "Spoken Word Affair" by the Poetry Club; showcasing AUN poets in quantum! -Unique-Nick
The event kicked off with an opening prayer which was written in the form of a poem; it was performed by the Poetry Club President, Ifunanya Denye Anyene. This was followed by a welcome address by Mr. Nicholas Achoda, founder and staff advisor of the Club.
In his address, Mr. Achoda informed the audience that the Club kicked off officially in the fall 2017 semester and is duly registered with the Student Affairs department and the Student Government Association. He stated that the mission of the AUN Poetry Club is to "nurture students' literary creativity, ingenuity, and potentials in poetry and groom them into becoming celebrated renowned poets, speakers, and performers now, and even beyond AUN."
Mr. Achoda emphasized the importance of poetry thus: "poetry is a medium to release bottled-up emotions, through which people can socialize and share feelings without fear of being judged. It expresses truth and teaches us how to live, a bridge that unites and does not divide, amends and does not break. By engaging in writing poetry, students will improve their verbal skills, enhance critical thinking skills, develop their vocabulary as well as gain retentive memory."
Performances by poets for the evening included group slam poetry by Aisha Muniru Mai, Wandoo Chagu, Abubakar Sayfuldin and Ifunanya Anyene; duet slam poetry by Ifunanya Anyene and Chidera Nweke; solo performances by Chukwuemeka Dike, Olugbenga Jacobs, Aisha Muniru, Ifunanya Anyene, Rasine Anani, Joseph Melah and Nicholas Achoda; Tribute to great poets by Abubakar Sayfuldin, Abinye Wariso, Olugbenga Jacobs, Wandoo Chagu, Ifunanya Anyene and Chidera Nweke. There was also a comedy skit performance by members of the Creativity Club.
The Open Mic session featured guest poets like Emmanuel Azenda, Chioma Esimone, and Sa'adatu Ibrahim. There was also a special rap poem rendered by a member of the Communications & Publications team, Christopher Obaji.
Recounting her experience, Leah Dutse, a Communications and Multimedia Design major, said: "The poets were very powerful. It was amazing to see my friends being so expressive and bold. I would attend more of these events by the Poetry Club".
Similarly, Oluwatunmise Amo, a School of Business &Entrepreneurship major, said, "I was so emotional listening to such simple but powerful poems; I was mind blown!"
Chiamaka Elezieanya, a Law major, added that she always considered poetry as interesting. "After the show, I realized that it is also a means of self-expression and an avenue for talking about problems in society."
Dr. Hannah Mugambi and Dr. Brian Reed, faculty advisor and patron of the Club respectively, offered some words of advice to the poets. The event was anchored by Rasine Anani and the vote of thanks was given by Rahma Olaniyan.
After the vote of thanks, guests were treated to Suya and chapman. The excitement on their faces was a clear indication that the poetry evening, "A Spoken Word Affair," was indeed an enjoyable experience for them and a pleasant poetic memory that will linger.
Reported by Nicholas Achoda and Wandoo Chagu