On the Spot (Issue 3)
Ad
edayo Adeyemi Agarau is a student of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State. Adedayo is the first son of the Agarau’s family. He hails from Oke-Agbo in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, but currently resides in Ibadan, Oyo State. His hobbies are writing and singing. He published his first anthology “Epistle of Lies” in the year 2014.
He has been featured in several online journals like the Kalahari Review, WRR and lots more. Also, several anthologies like Who Shall I Make My Wife’, ‘The Wind of Change’ and others contain his literary works. He is a lover of creativity who likes sharing his thoughts on creative matters.
When did you start writing creatively?
I started writing creatively in the year 2013.
How did you feel when you were declared winner of Eriata Oribhabor Food Poetry Contest 2015?
Winning the Eriata Oribhabor Food Poetry Contest 2015 was a dream come true to me owing to the fact that I didn’t give up after losing out once in the contest. I felt joyous, excited, and successful.
Have you won any poetry contest before clinching the Food Poetry Prize?
Yes, I have won various poetry contests in the past including Tony Tokunbo International Poetry Prize and Pulse Students Poetry.
What inspired your winning poem, ‘Oke-Agbo (For you, Dear Home)’?
I was inspired by the environmental factors in my hometown “Oke-Agbo”. I started thinking about the poem when I realised I didn’t make the shortlist in the last edition of the food poetry contest. I thought about coming up with a great idea using things happening in my hometown as a source of inspiration. All glory be to God, it came out great.
What is your overall impression of the food poetry contest?
My overall impression about the food poetry contest is that it gives writers the opportunity to be known, to be encouraged, to express their opinions in a unique way through writing as well as enhance their writing skills.
There is increased participation in poetry related activities especially amongst young people. How do you think their interest can be sustained?
Their interest can be sustained by holding poetry gatherings to create a platform for them to be known and to provide the opportunity to meet other writers both young and old.
Additionally, encouraging them to participate in poetry contests both home and abroad will sustain their interest and enhance their writing skills.
What words of encouragement do you have for up and coming writers?
Anyone can write, but only the fearless can be great. Improve yourself daily and you are on the road to greatness.