Tess Onwueme, renowned playwright and Distinguished Emeritus professor of cultural diversity and English Literature at the University of Wisconsin believes that only Nigerians can write their story better than other people, for which she has come to establish after staying for more than 30 years in the United States.
In an interview with newsmen at the official opening of Happy Belly Events and Creative Performance Center, a hub for future arts and writers, she said that the place which also has 1200 sitting capacity for events and weddings, will serve as writers’ shelter for story telling/folktales, poetry readings, creative performances.
Explaining why she came home especially this period that most people are desirous to leave the country due to insecurity and failing economy, she said that the longing to come home has always been there and she believes that Nigerians are creators and they should be the ones creating their stories for the Nigerian story to change.
She said that there is much to be proud of as Nigerians but it seems that the people have lost confidence in themselves. She also said that parents don’t speak to their children in local dialects which is not beneficial to the overall development of the country as the ability to speak one’s language is a thing of pride and makes one feel connected to the country.
She stressed the need for Nigerians to retell, recreate their story, both to nourish the body and hearts and minds for a new Nigeria. She said that is what the Creative Performance center is set to achieve.
Tess Onwueme is the author of , “Tell It To Women”, “Then She Said It” and others.
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