Mbagu Valentine Chigozie is an award-winning Nigerian writer and Poet. He goes by the moniker ‘Vabec’. Though born in Onitsha, Anambra state, Mbagu hails from Ozalla in Nkanu-West, Enugu state, Nigeria.
Mbagu, winner of the BRIGITTE POIRSON POETRY CONTEST (BBPC) 2016 (July) and second-runner-up of the BPPC June, 2016, is a student Business Administration and Management at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Writing for him, is an avenue for self-purging, a form of therapy to remain sane in the world.
In this interview, Valentine discusses his views on poetry…
How and when did you start poetry?
POET OF THE WEEK – “NIGERIAN POETRY IS THE BEST” – MBAGU VALENTINE CHIGOZIE
My poetry voyage began in 2013 when my Creative Director made me discover the Poetic Prowess hidden inside me. I was initially only partly into poetry, until 2014 when I became passionate about it.
What kind of poems do you write?
Aside from Love Poems, which is my Heartbeat, I also write on Nature, Politics, Inspiration, and other relevant topics.
What inspires your poems?
The root of my Inspiration is wholly built on God. I also derive inspiration from Music and the happenings in my environment.
Do you have a role model in poetry, one that can be seen and perhaps felt in your style?
William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, and William Blake are my Role Models. To me, Poetry is incomplete without the 3 Williams.
What exactly is poetry for you – a hobby or serious business?
Poetry is an inborn talent that I am ambitious about and more serious with. I can’t live a life without Poetry.
POET OF THE WEEK – “NIGERIAN POETRY IS THE BEST” – MBAGU VALENTINE CHIGOZIE
Poetry is sometimes seen as a tool for societal change. Is using poetry for change achievable?
Poetry as a device for societal change is achievable. It can be achieved by creating more awareness and giving absolute recognition to the Art world.
We all know Vabec the poet. Now, who is Vabec when you’re not being a poet?
Outside Poetry, I am a Business Administrator and the Guardian of History.
How do you see Nigerian poetry? How good are Nigerian poets?
Nigerian poetry is the best. We have learned to the extent of surpassing the Westerners. However, I believe we can still do better than our recent exploits in the future.
Do you think Nigerian poetry is making as much impact as it can and should be making, especially on our immediate society?
No. I have too much expectations of Nigerian Poetry and we are yet to live up to that. I dream of a time when due attention will be given to the Literary World. Presently, there’s little or no worth allotted to Poetry and it hurts me.
POET OF THE WEEK – “NIGERIAN POETRY IS THE BEST” – MBAGU VALENTINE CHIGOZIE
What role has the social media played in your poetry?
I have been able to reach out to both the Heavens and Earth via my use of the social media. I have affected lives and I’m still doing so.
What are your aims, what are you driving at in writing poetry?
I dream to Impact, Transform and Inspire lives through Poetry.
Are you a published poet? If not, how soon should we be expecting a book from you?
No, I’m yet to be a published Poet. I intend to be a published Poet when then the heavens touch the earth and that time is not far from soon.
Give a piece of advice to poets who are also willing to venture into the art like you did.
My counsel to upcoming poets is to write until you surpass yourself. Never be contented with your exploits or attainment, but keep writing until your Poetry touches lives.
