David Chukwudi Njoku is Nigerian faith preacher, poet/content writer, songwriter, social crusader against all kinds of injustices. He is an art lover, a lover of God, and an exceptional spoken-word artist, as well as a patriot.
He is a graduate of banking and finance from The Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, and Northern part of Nigeria. He hails from Umu Oriete, Umosike from the eastern part.
Pertaining to his success stories, The Ethiopian Herald has managed to get him for an interview. Excerpts:
The Ethiopian Herald Could you brief us about your success stories?
David Chukwudi Njoku: It is a great privilege to have this interview; I am really honored and grateful. Before I begin to share my success stories, I want to thank Almighty God for this innate gift of poetry and many more to come as well as my father in the Lord, Amb. Okey Nwanosike, President (ACCM), who gave me a nudge in the ministry.
It all began twenty four years ago when I failed in my Secondary School Certificate (WAEC). Life became miserably unbearable. At this point, the thought of suicide came repeatedly. Sometimes I over drugged myself. Other times I would walk without directions.
One day, I decided to check on an old college mate who was into poetry, his passion for poetry got my attention even though he made jest of me. But I took it as a challenge and vowed to be the best in world literature as far as winning a Noble Laureate. It was not as easy then; I would read all kinds of books ranging from articles, newspapers, science fiction, documentaries, romance, and thrillers and so on.
Until late 1995, I read a poem written by Nobel Laurate, Prof. Wole Soyinka’s ‘Telephone Conversation’ that did the magic and I tolled down that Lane in writing like him as well as William Shakespeare kind of poetry and playlets. I was enjoying it even though nobody seemed to understand my English because it was ‘big’ that you needed dictionary beside you all times. This I was doing not minding whether people understand it or not- of course all literature devices were properly inculcated.
Soon I joined Facebook, started posting it. I rarely get a like not comment. At some point it became a fruitless adventure and of course was very frustrated and disappointed. I stopped writing and forgot about poetry.
Years later, a young lady (Esther) who has interest in literature came on board. She read my poems with excitement but couldn’t understand a thing. She told me they are good but the grammar was much for a layman. So she advised me that I should write in simple language for people to understand and appreciate my poems. That I did.
Soon, I began posting from that counsel and people began to understand my poetry and as well as demand so much from me to either write for or mentor them.
Herald: What about your books, contributions in different anthologies/magazines and others? Have you basked under media spotlight?
David Chukwudi Njoku: My first poetry book was published in 2018.It was entitled ‘Pick up that Pen’.
It was a massive flop and a grave disappointment. It only won me fame and respects no financial gain. It was painful but I decided to move forward writing.
Furthermore, I got into so many Anthologies wherein I have so many of poems published such as SAVE AFRICA, DIFF TRUTH: AFRICA OF EARTH BEAUTY, RIPPLES OF PEACE, HARMONY, BOY CHILD MOVEMENT, MARULA, MAHATMA- A LIVING LEGEND, ATUNIS POETRY, OUR ARCHIVE POETRY, RAVENCAGEZINE. There are many more to be published. I got so many awards on the Facebook groups poetry, got published in the SPILL WORDS Magazine and others.
In the not distant future, I will publish a book entitled, THE COMPASS. It is beyond poetry. It is a book that will guide one into finding one’s path to destiny as well living a healthy life in all aspects of relationship.
Herald: How could African writers harness poetry towards using poetry in addressing social ills?
David Chukwudi Njoku: Poetry is now an agent of change. It is not just for money makings only but to restore the dignity of mankind by standing tall in the face of realities, boldly speaking the truth without fear or favor of any also living it.
African writers should check and balance their fight against social ills. They must not always be negative about the government, people, race, color and the development of other nations. Poetry should have its place in the heart of any government of the day-this we should do.
African writers should stay away from corruptible platforms that would hinder good writings but should uphold truth for the prosperity and posterity of their nations.
Herald: Do you have role models and the like?
David Chukwudi Njoku: In the world of literature today, there are so many but I have these names enshrined in my heart Chinua Achebe, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Buchi Emecheta, Ola Rotimi, Christopher Okigbo, William Shakespeare and others.
Today’s contemporary poets are the likes of Ngozi Olivia Osuoha, Samantha Beardon and Nancy Ndeke helped me a great deal in getting this far.
While these great bards are the ones I am learning and unlearning new ways of writing skills such as Collins Emghara, Chichi Alintah, Joh Chizoba Vincent, Omipidan Teslim Opemipo, Dave Gretchen, Jerry Langdon, Shiju H. Paplithazheth, Mbizo Chirasha, Christine Tabaka, Uzo Nwamara, Michael Ace, Sullivan Chidiebere Doc, Nseobong Edem, Francis Otole, Mazi Jaachi, Umar Yogiza Jr, and so many more I cherish their styles of poetry.
Herald: From your observation and experience regarding authorship and publications, are there questions that need answers?
David Chukwudi Njoku: My Questions…
Why are today’s writers seeking much fame without having a mentor?
Why plagiarize others works?
For today’s publishers, why must you soil your name, reputation and dignity to publish works without proper editing?
Who shall stop those poets who are bent to tarnish others to get know?
Herald: Do you have something to convey at last?
David Chukwudi Njoku: My fellow writers, when criticizing be sure you can aid the writer/poet to hon his/her craft better.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition September 22/2019
BY ALEM HAILU
