Chukwumerije’s made in Nigeria evokes passion, nostalgia about Nigeria’s identity

With the current hardship many face in the country, it is easy to forget the beauty that Nigeria is and memories it holds. Dike Chukwumerije’s Made In Nigeria, Simply Poetry captures this truth in a show that held recently at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre.

Sponsored by MTN Foundation Nigeria, the two-hour performance of 20 poems evoked feelings of nostalgia and a reminder of what it once meant to be a Nigerian.

According to Chukwumerije, “Made In Nigeria is simply to do a show about Nigeria that doesn’t really provoke an intellectual discussion, but makes you feel a sense of nostalgia and love for the country. I have always wanted to do something that interrogates the Nigerian identity in a way that evokes passion.

“I feel like we, sometimes, treat Nigeria like a project. So, we dissect her, but we don’t feel her. In a way, Nigeria is your mother, your memories, your personality and ideologue, because you are born a Nigerian. We need to, sometimes, evoke that emotional connection between us and our country.”

The dramatic performance of the poems had the audience on the edge of their seats, as they went through cathartic moment. There was drama, music and dance, all depicting the Nigerian identity. At the end, it was hard to believe everyone sat through 20 poems in 120 minutes.

Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma, noted that the performance was quite engaging and unique. She also said young and talented people in the country should be supported to craft more creative works like this.

“This production is quite unique,” she said, “as it had everyone seated with rapt attention in the theatre, listening to poetry in flight and motion without realising it, because it is dramatised. It was so fascinating to see young people act out these poems written by Dike.”

Ugbomma added, “we believe there is a lot of talent in Nigeria and young creatives need to be supported. We believe arts and culture help us to spread the message of love, peace and respect. Facilitating the creativity of the young people in the country is the way to go as a Nigerian company.”

Also, Chief Operating Officer of MTN, Mr. Mazen Ruoue, called on Corporate Nigeria to support arts and culture so as to spread the message of love and unity among Nigerians.