By Damiete Braide
Folu Agoi is a passionate advocate of literary arts and freedom of expression in Nigeria. As a long-standing member of PEN International and an erstwhile President of PEN Nigeria, his tenure was marked by numerous impactful initiatives aimed at promoting literature, empowering young writers, and defending human rights.
His contributions have left a lasting legacy on Nigeria’s literary landscape, showcasing his dedication to fostering a love for literature while championing social reform.
During his leadership at PEN Nigeria, Agoi prioritized creating platforms for writers to express themselves and connect with a broader audience. He spearheaded the publication of two major anthologies: Silver Lining: An Anthology of Nigerian Literature in 2019 and Of Shadows and Rainbows: An Anthology of Nigerian Writers on COVID-19 in 2022.
These collections featured poems, short stories, plays, and essays that captured the diverse experiences of Nigerians across generations. His collaboration with renowned literary figures, including Professors Akachi Ezeigbo and Olu Obafemi, underscored his commitment to curating high-quality literary works that reflected the nation’s socio-cultural realities.
Under his leadership, PEN Nigeria organized various literary events to mark significant international days established by the United Nations. These included celebrations of International Mother Language Day, World Book Day, International Women’s Day, and International Day of the Girl Child. Through these events, he fostered a deeper appreciation for literature among students, writers, and the general public while highlighting the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural identities.
One of Agoi’s key achievements was establishing a vibrant digital presence for PEN Nigeria. He created a WhatsApp platform called Free the Word, which became a dynamic space for writers to share their works and receive constructive feedback from literary peers across Nigeria and beyond. This platform gave emerging writers the opportunity to connect with established authors, critics, and literary enthusiasts. In addition, PEN Nigeria launched a user-friendly website that provided updates on literary events, publications, and advocacy efforts.
Collaborating with civil society organisations was another significant aspect of Agoi’s leadership. He built partnerships with groups like the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), and Arterial Network to advance the shared goal of promoting literature, freedom of speech, and linguistic rights. These collaborations not only amplified PEN Nigeria’s advocacy efforts but also strengthened its capacity to support vulnerable writers and foster inclusive literary spaces.
Agoi’s passion for empowering young and emerging writers was evident in his initiatives. He created interactive platforms for young writers to showcase their talents, engage with other members of the literary community, and receive critical appraisals of their works. The Free the Word platform played a crucial role in this effort, providing a safe space for writers to share their literary creations and receive feedback from a diverse audience. Some of the works shared on the platform were later featured in the 2022 anthology, Of Shadows and Rainbows.
Beyond creating opportunities for writers to share their works, PEN Nigeria, under Agoi’s leadership, provided financial assistance to several vulnerable writers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization also sponsored literary events organised by other associations, further reinforcing its commitment to promoting literary arts across the country.
Advocacy for freedom of expression has always been central to PEN Nigeria’s mission, and Agoi took significant steps to uphold this mandate. He led campaigns to defend freedom of speech through petitions to government agencies, feature articles in newspapers, and literary works by PEN members. Many of these petitions were co-signed by other PEN Centres worldwide, reflecting the global solidarity in the fight for freedom of expression.
However, Nigerian writers face numerous challenges that hinder their work. Book piracy has plagued the literary industry for decades, depriving writers of their rightful earnings. Additionally, economic hardship and high inflation make it difficult for writers to publish their works and for readers to afford books. According to Agoi, publishing a book that meets international standards can cost up to a million naira, with each copy priced at over five thousand naira—well beyond the reach of most Nigerians. Despite these challenges, Nigerian writers continue to explore innovative ways to share their stories, such as using digital platforms and organizing readings to promote their works.
PEN Nigeria has also engaged with local communities to promote literacy and foster a love for reading. Through projects like The Right to Write, the organization raised awareness about the importance of literature, freedom of expression, and linguistic rights among vulnerable groups, including immigrant communities and youth in rural areas. Agoi and his team organized literary events in various educational institutions, including the University of Lagos, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, and several secondary schools across Lagos and Ogun States.
Agoi’s dedication to promoting literacy extends beyond his role at PEN Nigeria. His book Towards Effective Use of English: A Grammar of Modern English reflects his commitment to improving English language proficiency in Nigeria. Drawing from his years of teaching English and literature, the book simplifies grammatical analysis to make it accessible to students and teachers alike. He hopes the book will help Nigerians communicate more effectively in the country’s official language.
As a poet, Agoi explores a wide range of themes in his works. His collections, such as More Candid Lyrics and I Know the Smell of My Lover’s Skin, address social, political, and cultural issues while celebrating the beauty of love and human relationships. He sees poetry as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and social change. For him, poetry must not only delight readers but also inspire them to reflect on societal issues and advocate for positive change. One of Agoi’s most memorable poetry performances took place in Blantyre, Malawi, in 2017. During his presentation, he referenced Malawi’s former ruler Kamuzu Banda, eliciting a strong emotional response from the audience. The thunderous applause reminded him of the shared struggles against dictatorship and oppression faced by many African nations.
Agoi believes that literature has a crucial role in promoting peace and social reform. His anthology, An Offering of Olive is a testament to his belief that literary works should not only entertain but also serve as sacred tools for refining humanity and shaping a better world. For Agoi, literature is a means to preserve culture, inspire empathy, and advocate for justice.
In his poetry and prose, Agoi integrates cultural and contemporary issues through the use of imagery, humor, and sarcasm. He views poetry as a vehicle for passing down history and values across generations, ensuring cultural continuity in an ever-changing world.
As a literary figure, Folu Agoi has made significant contributions to the Nigerian literary scene, leaving a legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and cultural preservation. His work continues to inspire writers to use their voices for social change and to promote the values of freedom, creativity, and human dignity.