Salome Agbaroji, the 2023–2024 U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate, travelled to Nigeria from July 21–29 as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program. Agbaroji is a well-known Nigerian American poet who has performed spoken word poetry at the United Nations, the White House, and the Golden Globes Pre-Show, among many other prestigious stages.
Salome Agbaroji, a first-year student at Harvard University, travelled to Enugu to establish a connection with her roots and immerse herself in the local arts and culture scene. She also hosted a poetry workshop at the University of Nigeria’s Window on America, and she headlined an evening of discussions and networking with the creative community.
Agbaroji organised a poetry slam competition for high school kids, visited the University of Lagos to interact with faculty and students studying creative arts, and led workshops for aspiring poets and spoken word performers.
Agbaroji’s visit came to an end when she conducted a discussion with Deborah Johnson, a Nigerian spoken word artist and the 2022 Lagos International Poetry Festival Slam Champion, discussing their respective careers in the arts. Poem recitations and an open mic session were highlights of the occasion, where Agbaroji and other artists performed.
Audiences in Lagos and Enugu, including high school and university students, arts professors, and budding and established poets and artists, found Salome Agbaroji’s work relatable, engaging, and entertaining. Agbaroji’s passion to share her poetic talents through mentorships and workshops led to strong friendships and cultural interaction with the Nigerian literary community.
The activities in both locations pushed young pupils to choose a career in the creative arts through poetry. In reflecting on her tour, Agbaroji expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with Nigeria’s rich art scene through the US Arts Envoy Program.
“I am grateful to have received the opportunity to visit Nigeria for the first time through the Arts Envoy program.”Watching a participant begin a poem during our workshop, collaborate with others, and then perform it live at our open mic night was extremely uplifting,” Salome Agbaroji continued.
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay emphasised the significance of cultural exchanges such as Salome Agbaroji’s visit to Nigeria in bringing Americans and Nigerians together to share ideas and expertise, foster mutual understanding, and free speech. “One of the most empowering opportunities we can offer young people is a platform where their voices can be heard,” McKay told the crowd. “Poetry is an inspiring platform for youth to express their creativity and sense of self.”
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria funds initiatives that bring American cultural leaders to Nigeria to meet, exchange ideas, and interact with their Nigerian colleagues. The US Mission hopes that these people-to-people ties would develop a stronger relationship between the people of Nigeria and the United States.
