MOMENT WITH FUNKE AWODIYA
Can we meet you?
My name is Esther Funke Awodiya popularly known as the Farmer's Daughter
Tell us how your journey into poetry began?
I wrote my first poem at the age of 11.
As it changed the way you view life, people and circumstances?
Writing generally for me is therapeutic in nature for the writer and reader. Poetry is a healing balm for me. It helps me express my innermost thoughts without fear and it helps to put myself in the shoes of others. I want people to read my works and see hope because everyone is fighting a harder battle.
What interests you most about poetry?
The language and the brevity of poetry makes it fascinating to me.
Do you see poetry as a calling ?
For me poetry is a calling because with it I can reach out to people from different strata of the society.
Your first poetry collection, The Farmer's daughter, what was the inspiration behind it?
The Farmer's Daughter was inspired by different experiences and one of it is being a Nigerian living in Nigeria.
What are some of the benefits you think poetry has brought to you?
Poetry writing and promotion has taken me to more than twenty states in Nigeria. Also, poetry has helped me develop my reading and writing skills.
You have a new poetry collection , Woman of a Woman, we will like to know how you define woman/ women in relation to their role in the society?
Woman of a Woman is a singular theme book dedicated to womanhood. My sole objective is to bring women to positive limelight in relation to their contributions to socio-political development.
In comparison to other genres of literature, do you believe poetry has enviable number of lovers in Nigeria, who not only read but also buy copies of the works of poets?
Poetry has its own reading and listening audience. Poetry books too have an audience who buy and read them. However, poetry is a genre believed to be for selected few but the trend is changing in recent times. More people are getting to listen to and read poetry.
It is very common for most creatives to link their inspiration to certain persons in the literary world. For you, who is the writer that most inspire you through their works?
I started writing poetry before I could identify any poet. To me inspiration come from everywhere but I'm fascinated each time I read the works by Professor Niyi Osundare.
Do you think poetry can solve the problems of the Nigerian society?
Art generally can provide solutions. Poetry is a unique art that can be used to speak to the mind of the society. It is a valuable tool for social political development.
Some people believe that performance poet and poetry are being relegated. What is your take on this?
I'm not aware of such relegation. Performance poets are getting more recognition everyday. Some poets have been invited to state functions and many are adding their voices via videos and audio poetry performances that are well received by the audience.
How do you think performance poet and poetry can be promoted?
Poetry promotion is a passion for many. I think I can call myself a poetry promoter. In company of others I promote poetry most especially among young minds in schools and out of school. That generation of young poets will surprise the world soon . Poetry either on page or on stage can be promoted by commitment towards improving the art and making it appealing to more people.
Tell us your association with Poets in Nigeria (PIN).
Poets in Nigeria (PIN) is a number one literary hub in Nigeria prompting poetry and book reading culture. Our mission is to use poetry for the betterment of the society and our philosophy is: Poetry for service. I'm a foundational member and a member of board of trustee of Poets in Nigeria (PIN).
You seem an advocate for sickle cell and persons with sickle cell? Tell us, what birth it and if there are ways of preventing it if not entirely wiping (sickle cell) out.
My journey into sickle cell advocacy started in 2016 after the death of a friend to the scourge . I started educating and creating awareness using poetry and other means. It's been a challenging but worthwhile venture.
Aside poetry, what other forms of genre do you enjoy?
Aside poetry I write prose but until recent times I don't share my prose works because I don't have confidence in them
You have been displaying photos of mouth watering meals on your Facebook page recently. Is it a new side to Funke Awodiya?
One of my first role in Poets in Nigeria is the Moderator of one of it's initiative Photo Poetry Contest. It started as a Photo Fun Contest which usually have themes and book prizes were given out. I share pictures of food then to support the contest. My friends on Facebook can attest to that. But the new sharing of food pictures is a form of promotion for my new product. A seasoning used for cooking. I recently introduced The Farmer's Daughter Heritage Ogiri . It's a season of right seasoning.
First, it was Dimeji's diary, then Franklin's diary and soon I want to believe, others will follow. We will like to know the idea behind these diaries.
First it was Dimeji's Diary followed by Franklin's Diary and the ongoing is Morenike's Diary. I'm experimenting story telling form using the act of journal keeping. I'm looking at how to inspire, encourage and motivate my reading audience on social media with stories of everyday living. Moreover, I want to show the world I'm more confident in my prose works now. I look forward to a future when the diaries can turn to a book.
Farmer's Daughter's Ogiri, that looks like a business side to you. We want to know the uniqueness in this Ogiri, tell us?
Ogiri is a seasoning made from oil seeds like melon and castor seed. It is highly nutritional and helps in making tasty meals. It's mostly consumed in West Africa and here in Nigeria the Yorubas and Igbos make use of it in cooking. It is a seasoning that is health friendly.
Any last words for intending poets?
Poetry is a unique art that add beauty to life and living. To the young poet out there poetry is not for sad people alone, happy people write and read poetry too. If you have a mental health issue seek help let's change the narrative, poets are not suicidal. Read and write uplifting lines and verses. Keep improving yourself and craft. Associate with like minds but be careful with who you allow into your inner circle, your mental health can be affected negatively if you associate wrongly.
This where we wrap up today's interview. You can follow my guest on the following social media handles:
Facebook- @Awodiya Funke
Instagram- @Awodiya Funke
Till we meet again. I am Yours truly,
Julius Topohozin
You can also get my poetry collection Lamentation for my Land here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CVR6SFS
