U.S. Consulate Lagos Commemorates Independence Day with Read it Loud Program (July 5, 2012)

Lagos | July 5, 2012

Ambassador McCulley (right) reading his poems while Mr. Adewale Goodluck (left) of MTN Nigeria and other participants listening to the reading

On Friday, July 5, 2012 the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos in partnership with MTN Nigeria and U.S.-African Literary Foundation organized a special Read it Loud program for high school students in Lagos area. This special edition was organized in partnership with MTN and U.S.-African Literary Foundation to commemorate American Independence day. 

Ambassador McCulley in his remarks before the reading of Langston Hughes’ poems said: “It is important for us as Americans to acknowledge all aspects of our history from the triumphs of our founding and declarations of independence to the dark days of slavery and the civil rights movement which finally brought equality to all.  Each of these events shaped America, and the culture in this case the poetry each of these times brought captures these feelings.” He later processed to read three of Langston Hughes’ poems to the admiration of the students, teachers and educational staff of the Lagos State Government.

In his words, Mr. Adewale Goodluck of MTN Nigeria re-iterated the importance of reading in the development of a nation. He highlighted the commitment of poets like David Diop though born in France got interested in Africa that he wrote a beautiful poem titled Africa. Mr. Goodluck later read his poem. 

The Read it Loud program is an initiative of the Public Affairs Section designed to encourage reading and writing among Nigerians. The program will help expand the intellectual and literary perspectives of Nigerians and increase their understanding of American writing and culture. We also hope the program will call attention to the need for stronger literacy initiatives in Nigeria and inspire a stronger reading culture. 

The program was electrified with the readings of two regular poets of U.S. Consulate General’s monthly Read it Loud program. Mr. Oluseyi MaCaulay of U.S.-African Literary Foundation read a poem titled I will marry Tomorrow, while Mr. Adeoye Adeota read Dreams from a Jaundiced Eye. The comments by students and teachers present were deep and inspiring. 

The monthly Read it Loud program holds at 3:00 pm every first Thursday of the month at the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos. Interested members of the public are welcome to join us.