It was a battering battleground for all men of letters (poets), and the sky did cry that night of all the deafening, metallic and sweet sound of poetic bayonets that flew in the air. You would see some poems and what would come to mind was William Shakespeare. You would see another and what would come to mind is Niyi Osundare. You would go further and see another sophisticated poem, and then, you would remember Wole Soyinka. Again, you would see where some poets ornamented and decorated each stanza with lilies, and then you would remember that only the late Chinua Achebe could do that. And so, the list goes on. But, even the Bible says that the race is not for those that have fast pace, but for those that God has laced up with grace.
And so, in a keenly contested poetry competition of over 2000 people, I was neither a great poet nor a distinguished wordsmith, but I found myself on the pedestal of grace, and so I was declared as one of the winners. Please, define grace again! Define the charming personality of Mrs. Natasha again!
But I must express my heartfelt gratitude to Barr. (Mrs.) Natasha who always gives us this opportunity to showcase our skills and then get something encouraging in return. Last year, I won. This year again, I still won. Who on earth deserves my deep gratitude and obeisance, if it’s not Barr. Natasha Akpoti. Dear ma’am, you have my undying gratitude!
As a woman who has been exposed to high-quality education within and outside Nigeria, Barr. Natasha knows the value of education and the yearly competition which she always organises is a powerful testament to that.
Personally, the beauty of my victory in the just concluded competition is not in the pecuniary advantage (money) that came with it, but in the recognition, connection and respect which came with the victory. After the announcement of all the winners, it’s only God that knows the connection that came with my own victory. And who made this possible? Barr. Natasha, of course! And so, I’ll forever be grateful to her because my mother has taught me the power and significance of gratitude over anything done for me – no matter how little or big it is!
I must also eulogise Barr. Natasha for always connecting with humanity regardless of the hiccups she faces sometimes. Only a generous, loving and lovely person does what she does every time. As a human being, Barr. Natasha is not insulated from the fierce storm of life, but she still takes out time to reach out to the larger society, and there lies her true humanity because anyone that renders humanitarian services to people as a way of reducing the pain that life episodically inflicts on them is a god/goddess. And Natasha H Akpoti is a goddess!
For being a reliable source of inspiration, joy and happiness to us, I wholeheartedly appreciate you, ma’am Natasha. God, in His infinite mercy, will continue to bless and reward you. This, from the inner recesses of my heart, is my own token of gratitude!
Sule Abubakar Lucky Mark,
Writer and Sociologist.
Email: suleabubakarmark1111@gmail.com
27/07/2023.