Interview with PIN

 *Questions for Basira: Moderator, PIN CCPC*

1. You have just been appointed as the Moderator, PIN CCPC. What's the Initiative about? What are your expectations?

Answer:

The Cross Country Poetry Celebration which is an initiative of Poets in Nigeria, is aimed at celebrating the art of poetry and Poets on the same day in various locations in the country. This is achieved through uniting as a nation under the same umbrella (PIN), irrespective of tribe or religion, with a common goal of promoting art and literature. Its basically an event where we gather to embrace and celebrate our differences. 

2. Before your appointment, you were the Host, CCPC Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi state. How do you intend to manage the two positions?

Answer: Alhamdulillah hosting CCPC Birnin Kebbi was a success thanks to the love and support I got from my family, friends, and team members. I always say that I didn't do it alone. I am a firm believer in team work and I am sure, this additional responsibility won't weigh us down. I have my team at arm's reach and I plan on inviting someone capable to co-host this year's event as I moderate the national.

3. You are behind ZAPOETRY HOUSE which is a fast growing poetry promotion hubs in Nigeria . How did you come about this initiative? How is it fairing?

Answer:

Zapoetryhouse was birth from a thirst i have to see poets and enthusiasts unite and support each other, without envy or competition. I believe that the sky is large enough to accommodate everyone, so we can all shine at once. One poet's light doesn't have to diminish another's.

Again, each poet has his/her own unique voice and style of writing, so we don't have to be the same in order to support one another. Unity does not mean uniformity. 

With regards to how Zapoetryhouse is faring, I believe we are doing well and our Poets are embracing each others light. We are starting to embrace collaboration instead of competition and I believe that is a stepping stone to the growth of Za poetry community.

4. What's your opinion about poetry appreciation in our country with particular interest in the northern parts?

Answer:

I will say the art of poetry is beginning to get recognised and appreciated particularly in the northern parts of the country.

Of course, I will have to appreciate the resilience of our northern poets who closed their ears to criticism and showed the north that it is who we are. I mean, even when the colonisers came, they met our forefathers as poets and writers so poetry is our identity. 

5. What do you intend doing differently?

Answer:

With regards to CCPC, this year I think we can look forward to having the event in various locations within states and also to collaborating with the state government to see that our message reaches far and wide.

6. You were awarded for hosting the most outstanding CCPC event in 2023. What's your reaction?

Answer:

Alhamdulillah. That was a dream come true. I was really proud of our efforts and ecstatic that it got recognized. I mean, it is Kebbi State: A northern state in Nigeria being awarded the most outstanding location out of all the 36 states😂. Permit to say that we have the bragging rights for a year and we are using it well 😂

7. Do you have a collection of poems in the offing for publication?

Answer:

Few years ago, I started working on some, yes. But I must say we are still taking baby steps with regards to that.

8. What's your professional area of specialisation? Why poetry?

Answer:

I studied Biochemistry with Interest in nutritional biochemistry. I am currently pursuing an MSc in that field and doing a lot of activities under that.

Poetry is my safe haven. It is what i run to when the sun sets and the dawn refuses to break. I always say that I didn't choose poetry, poetry chose me. This is because as a science student, people believed it impossible for me to excel in arts. But this is something I am passionate about and I believe this voice should not be silenced.

9. Could you leave us with a stanza of any of your poems?

Answer: Here is one from one of my spoken word poems titled "If tomorrow starts without me..."

If tomorrow starts without me,

tell the girl child to not let her voice be silenced alongside mine,

to take the mandate and shine.

Let the girl child know that "to talk back" is not a crime.

Let the girl child know that silence isn't her second language, and

to say "No" is not a crime.

10. Any words of inspiration?

Answer: I will end this with words from one of my favourite poems by Laura Lamb Brown-Lavolie where the Titanic said:

 

"The trouble with you humans is that

you are so concerned with staying afloat.

Go ahead, be gouged open by love. Gulp that saltwater, sink beneath the waves.

You’re not a boat, you can go under and come up again..."

These words and the entire poem inspires to Live and take chances.

Thank you