Salome Agbaroji, the 2023/2024 US National Youth Poet Laureate, has concluded a week-long visit to Nigeria, where she engaged with young poets, artists, and academics.
The trip, sponsored by the US Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program, aimed to foster cultural exchange and inspire the next generation of creatives.
Agbaroji, a Nigerian-American, visited Enugu and Lagos, conducting poetry workshops, giving talks, and participating in a poetry slam. Her sessions, which were attended by both young and established artists, focused on themes of identity, heritage, and empowerment.
The poet expressed her delight at connecting with her roots and sharing her passion with a Nigerian audience. “Watching participants blossom during our workshops and then confidently perform their work was incredibly inspiring,” she said.
US Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay emphasised the importance of such cultural exchanges in promoting mutual understanding and freedom of expression. “Poetry provides a powerful platform for young people to find their voice and connect with others,” she noted.
