As part of the U.S. Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program, Salome Agbaroji, the 2023/2024 U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate, recently concluded a transformative visit to Nigeria, where she engaged with the local arts and culture scene from July 21 to 29.
Agbaroji, a Nigerian American poet who has graced prestigious stages such as the White House and the United Nations, used her platform to foster cultural exchange and inspire the next generation of Nigerian poets and artists.
During her visit, Agbaroji traveled to Enugu to connect with her roots and engage with the creative community. She visited the Center for Memories, led a poetry workshop at the University of Nigeria’s Window on America, and participated in an evening of discussions and networking. Her time in Enugu left a lasting impression, as she connected deeply with the Igbo culture and history.
In Lagos, Agbaroji continued her outreach by conducting workshops for young poets and hosting a poetry slam competition for high school students. The visit culminated in a moderated conversation with Nigerian spoken word artist Deborah Johnson, where both poets discussed their work and the creative industry, followed by an open mic session.
Reflecting on her visit, Agbaroji shared her gratitude, stating, “I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to visit Nigeria for the first time through the Arts Envoy program. Watching a participant start a poem during our workshop, collaborate with others, and then perform it live at our open mic night was incredibly uplifting.”
Julie McKay, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, emphasized the significance of such cultural exchanges, saying, “One of the most empowering opportunities we can offer young people is a platform where their voices can be heard. Poetry is an inspiring platform for youth to express their creativity and sense of self.”
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria noted that it remains committed to supporting cultural exchanges that foster deeper relationships between the people of Nigeria and the United States, and Agbaroji’s visit serves as a testament to the power of these people-to-people connections.