For Nigerian poet Wendy Okeke, poetry is more than an artistic pursuit—it is a sanctuary, a means of self-expression, and a bridge to the world around her. In an exclusive conversation with Vanguard, Okeke reflects on her poetic journey, the transformative power of words, and the personal experiences that have shaped her craft.
A Childhood Introduction to Poetry
Okeke’s love for poetry began at just eight years old during a literature class in boarding school. “I was amazed by how much meaning could be conveyed through such simple, elegant words,” she recalls. “It felt like an effortless way to express what I wanted to say but couldn’t articulate in conversation.”
Growing up in a family that valued education and effective communication, her writing skills were nurtured early. Her mother, a firm believer in proper expression, encouraged Wendy and her siblings to write letters. “My mom focused on correcting my grammar and punctuation rather than addressing the content,” she says with a chuckle. “At the time, I found it frustrating, but looking back, she was helping me become a better writer.”
A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Poetry
Although writing came naturally, Okeke’s path to becoming a poet was not straightforward. Like many young Nigerians, she faced societal and familial expectations that leaned toward conventional career choices. Initially, she pursued the sciences before transitioning to Political Science and Public Administration at the young age of 14.
Despite her academic path, poetry remained a constant. “University was challenging—I was away from home, under immense pressure, and lost close friends. Writing became my outlet,” she reflects. “I carried a large notebook everywhere and aimed to write daily. It wasn’t about becoming a poet; it was about survival.”
The loss of her father in 2016 marked a turning point in her writing. “I became an observer of my own pain,” she shares. “I watched my family grieve, and in that experience, I started to write differently. Grief changes you—it makes you see the world through a different lens.”
Finding Her Voice in Public
For years, Okeke wrote privately, unsure if she would ever share her poetry with others. When she finally took the leap, the response was overwhelming. “I never wrote for an audience, but when I put my work out there, people reached out to say they saw themselves in my poems,” she says. “It wasn’t about validation—it was about creating a space where people could feel seen and understood.”
In 2019, she expanded her work beyond the written page by hosting Purge and Penance, a spoken-word event in Ikoyi, Lagos. “I wanted to create a space where people could share their stories—whether they considered themselves poets or not,” she explains. “Some audience members who had never performed before stood up and spoke. It was about release and renewal.” The event’s success reaffirmed her belief in poetry’s ability to heal and unite.
Looking to the Future
Now, Okeke is focused on growing as a poet and using her voice to inspire others. She dreams of publishing poetry collections and collaborating with other creatives to elevate spoken-word poetry in Nigeria. “Poetry isn’t just about words—it’s about experiences that challenge people to see the world differently,” she says.
A passionate advocate for making poetry accessible, Okeke hopes to introduce more young people to the art form, particularly those who may not yet see its relevance. “Poetry educates, connects, and keeps history alive,” she explains. “It brings you face-to-face with experiences and perspectives you might never have encountered otherwise.”
Through her journey, Wendy Okeke reminds us that poetry is more than just art—it is a tool for self-discovery, healing, and human connection. Whether through the pages of a book, a spoken-word performance, or a quiet moment of reflection, poetry has the power to bring people closer to themselves and each other.
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