Papers by Wisdom C . Nwoga
Àgídìgbo: ABUAD Journal of the Humanities , 2025
The paradox of wealth and despair in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria has inspired a growing bod... more The paradox of wealth and despair in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria has inspired a growing body of works that interrogate the crises in the region. Poetry is a veritable medium for documenting these struggles and vocalising the aspirations of the people. Sophia Obi's Tears in a Basket stands as a reflection of the socioeconomic inequalities and environmental degradation faced by Niger-Delta communities as a result of oil exploration and exploitation. The collection critiques the exploitation of natural resources and marginalised groups, and exposes the complicity of state actors and multinational corporations involved in these injustices to the subalterns. This study adopts resistance framework to analyse Obi's portrayal of class struggle and the commodification of resources in the region. It situates Tears in a Basket within the spectrum of Niger-Delta resistance literature and examines how the poet highlights the alienation and dispossession of local communities. The study reveals that Obi's work successfully critiques the manipulation of the natural together with human resources, and highlights the collaboration of capitalist agencies and state operatives in mounting and prolonging inequality. Her clear imagery accentuates the cultural and environmental degradation fashioned and executed by oil exploration and extraction, while also reflecting the resilience and aspirations of the subaltern Niger-Delta people. The poems, in addition to the documentation of the lived realities, also envision a future where environmental justice and sustainability shall prevail. This is the conclusion of the paper. Finally, the paper underscores poetry as a vehicle for critiquing systemic exploitation and advocating reform.
AWKA JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERARY STUDIES, 2025
Literature serves as a reflective mirror that illuminates societal paradigms while concurrently w... more Literature serves as a reflective mirror that illuminates societal paradigms while concurrently wielding the transformative potential to challenge and reshape prevailing socio-political and cultural constructs. Placing Nigeria as a microcosm of the larger African society, this study examines Tess Onwueme’s play, The Desert Encroaches with a view to exploring the nexus between her dramatic art and the African societal realities. Through the highly allegorical characters and their interactions, Onwueme highlights the tension between the lesser and higher animals, a metaphor for the various social strata in the society. It also reflects on the imperatives of socio-political change. The broad theoretical framework for this study is the sociological theory of literary criticism and Marxism as a subset. The study employs the qualitative method of content analysis to examine the themes and characters of the play. Findings from the study show that the themes of the play are relevant to contemporary issues, while the allegorical characters exemplify how Onwueme uses individual experiences to illustrate broader societal concerns. The study concludes that The Desert Encroaches is a powerful work of literature that offers a commendable insight into the challenges facing Nigerian society and strives towards egalitarianism.
Probing the Preoccupation of Oil Politics, Avarice, and Wanton Disillusionment in Uzo Nwamara’s Dance of the Delta
Canadian journal of language and literature studies, 2024
This study explores socio-political contradictions, hypocrisies, deceits, and the marginal existe... more This study explores socio-political contradictions, hypocrisies, deceits, and the marginal existence of suppressed and exploited individuals in the Niger Delta communities of Nigeria who are unjustly stifled by a few members of the superstructure. The literary analysis is undertaken through the lens of Uzo Nwamara's play, Dance of the Delta. This study adopts a Marxist framework to examine the aspects of politics of disillusionment and disequilibrium as captured by the playwright. This is to see the fidelity of the play to the region in terms of verisimilitude. Marxism as a critical template for this study is an economic and political theory that draws close attention to the unfair exploitation of the masses by the political class. It seeks a reversal of the system so that a greater portion of the people's wealth is entrusted to the people who produce it. The study underscores that the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region, despite its enormous mineral resources, is hinged on the avaricious nature and corruption of a few members of society, who are metaphorically represented through the characters of Chief Akpan and his cohorts. It therefore concludes that the revolutionary consciousness of the oppressed and suppressed is sine qua non for the dethronement of injustice and corrupt practices.
Eastern Journal of Languages, Linguistics and Literatures, 2024
This study navigates through Celie’s development and emancipation from a voiceless victim of abus... more This study navigates through Celie’s development and emancipation from a voiceless victim of abuse to a self-assertive woman. Through an analysis of Alice Walker’s novel, The Color Purple, this study argues that her journey towards self-discovery and independence is achieved through a combination of supportive relationships with other women, a rejection of patriarchal norms, and the exploration of her own desires. This study is situated within the feminist and intersectionality frameworks and it contributes to the ongoing conversation about the place of race, gender, and class in the struggle for social justice. Celie’s journey from a voiceless victim of abuse to a self-assertive woman serves as a symbol of the transformative power of self-discovery and solidarity. Ultimately, it demonstrates how the novel challenges and subverts dominant narratives and celebrates the power and resilience of African American women and therefore concludes that The Color Purple is a powerful portrayal of the transformative power and journey towards of self-discovery as well as the imperatives of women’s relationships and support systems in achieving empowerment for marginalized women
Canadian Journal of Language and Literature Studies, 2024
This study explores socio-political contradictions, hypocrisies, deceits, and the marginal existe... more This study explores socio-political contradictions, hypocrisies, deceits, and the marginal existence of suppressed and exploited individuals in the Niger Delta communities of Nigeria who are unjustly stifled by a few members of the superstructure. The literary analysis is undertaken through the lens of Uzo Nwamara's play, Dance of the Delta. This study adopts a Marxist framework to examine the aspects of politics of disillusionment and disequilibrium as captured by the playwright. This is to see the fidelity of the play to the region in terms of verisimilitude. Marxism as a critical template for this study is an economic and political theory that draws close attention to the unfair exploitation of the masses by the political class. It seeks a reversal of the system so that a greater portion of the people's wealth is entrusted to the people who produce it. The study underscores that the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region, despite its enormous mineral resources, is hinged on the avaricious nature and corruption of a few members of society, who are metaphorically represented through the characters of Chief Akpan and his cohorts. It therefore concludes that the revolutionary consciousness of the oppressed and suppressed is sine qua non for the dethronement of injustice and corrupt practices.
University of Delta Journal of Arts and Humanities (UDJAH): , 2023
Al-Hakim’s Fate of a Cockroach is a notable dramatic art which reflects the theatre of the absurd... more Al-Hakim’s Fate of a Cockroach is a notable dramatic art which reflects the theatre of the absurd; where the playwright juxtaposes humans and cockroaches in their own worlds through the use of allegory and highly symbolic components. The philosophical beliefs of the theatre of the absurd reflect the notion of meaninglessness and the nothingness of life. This study explores the absurdist impulses in the play. These impulses are captured metaphorically through the symbolic relationship between cockroaches and humans. Employing absurdism as the critical framework, this paper brings to the fore the nothingness of human existence and affirms that we are all "cockroaches" in our own ways, struggling in our slippery bathtub of life where death eventually meets us. This paper is therefore significant because it leaves a timeless lesson that is relevant to our contemporary society as we continue to immerse ourselves in the rat race and fight to obtain fame, money, education, and vanity, which have come to redefine our reality that we are all cockroaches. This idea can help us understand our limitations and destinies as mortals, as well as the need to live our lives with commitment, honour, integrity, and love while the struggle continues, akin to the Greek myth of Sisyphus perpetually rolling a boulder uphill in futility.
CRITICAL READINGS ON TED ELEMEFORO’S CHILD OF DESTINY, 2023
As a rule of thumbs, the greater the impression of psychological depth a writer can create, the g... more As a rule of thumbs, the greater the impression of psychological depth a writer can create, the greater the chances for reader involvement. Character depth in fiction is like perspective in painting—it is what creates the illusion of life (Birkerts 23).
A work of literature opens the door for a very diverse interpretation space. Such a literary piece is therefore kept alive through the breathe of perspectives being given to it. Like Barthes in Charters and Charters, “in the multiplicity of writing, everything is to be disentangled” (1614). This work therefore, attempts a critical analysis and synoptic insight to Ted Elemeforo’s novella, Child of Destiny, to bring to fore the author’s characterization as aesthetic design of his creation.
Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2023
Like the cockroaches' kingdom, Nigeria is plagued with enormous socio-political problems. Sadly, ... more Like the cockroaches' kingdom, Nigeria is plagued with enormous socio-political problems. Sadly, those who are saddled with the responsibility of providing solutions to the problems are bereaved of ideas on how to go about them. Accordingly, most of the studies on Al-Hakim's Fate of a Cockroach have overtime been limited to the socio-political realities in Egypt. The use of language and metaphors in the play transcends various stunted interpretations. This paper attempts an interpretative 'destruction' of the play to demonstrate the powerlessness of ready-made concepts. It places the events in the play on the Nigeria canvas together with the idea of social reality in literature which the play symbolically captures. There is, for instance, the clueless king alongside his ministers who cannot proffer solutions to the daring problems of foreign dominance, food insufficiency, insecurity, and threat from the ants. The paper therefore highlights the leadership flaws of a nation. It underscores that for the healing of the nation, there is the need for an Epistocratic system of government in Nigeria and a world of communality like that of the ants, where discipline and leadership are practiced and everyone is significantly taken into account. This would result to an egalitarian society free from hollowness, absurdity, and vulgar crystallizations. Combining deconstruction and sociological theory of literature, the paper advocates for a change in attitude towards the capacious and yet subtle role of the author in our interpretation of the text.
Eastern Journal of Languages, Linguistics and Literatures (EJLLL), 2023
In most African societies, some archaic and obnoxious cultural norms have persisted; they have cr... more In most African societies, some archaic and obnoxious cultural norms have persisted; they have crept into the modern African society. While most of these cultural practices are unfavourable to some members of the society, especially the widows, fatherless, and the girl-child, a certain class of individuals who reap from these evil practices have for long stood as opposing forces to the voices of revolutionary change who seek to eradicate these wicked cultural practices. This study explores the culture of deprivation and disinheritance in a predominantly patriarchal African society. It also examines such thematic preoccupation as a metaphor for other forms of injustice prevalent in the society. This study employs the radical strand of feminism to explore Clement Chukwuka Idegwu’s novel, Right to be Angry. Radical feminism as a subset of the feminist theory is based on the idea that women are treated unfairly and oppressed because of the patriarchal grounds upon which society is built. In the novel, the author spreads the gospel of revolution as a welcome panacea to dethrone oppression and eradicate the obnoxious culture of disinheritance. Through the lens of the heroine, the author is apparently on a social crusade to right society’s ill. Findings show that the struggle to eradicate the culture of disinheritance and enthrone a better society free from all forms of oppression, does not come easily. This study concludes by underscoring that radicalism and revolutionary consciousness could be the alternative response to injustice and therefore advocates that widows and the fatherless alike should be allowed to share in the inheritance of their bereaved.
KEYWORDS: African culture, disinheritance, radicalism, feminism, revolution, widow, oppression, girl-child
The Muse: Journal of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2022
The Niger Delta region has become notable in Nigerian literature as a result of issues arising fr... more The Niger Delta region has become notable in Nigerian literature as a result of issues arising from resource extraction, conflict and environmental degradation. When one imagines the extent of damages in this region, one is therefore not taken aback by the number of literary works beaming their searchlights towards such a direction. Writers like Tanure Ojaide, J.P Clark, Habila Helon, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Sophia Obi, Obari Gomba, Nnimmo Bassey, G’Ebinyo Ogbowei etc. are notable voices in this regard. The Niger Delta region has in recent times suffered from the ugly hands of oil spillages resulting to discharge of poisonous and hazardous substances into water sources, forests, soil, and human settlements. Sadly, the crude oil that ought to have been a source of ‘tears of joy’ has become a plague in the region; an oily tears of the Delta. The paper therefore attempts a connection between literature (in this case poetry) and the environment through Ibiwari Ikiriko’s Oily Tears of the Delta. The collection delves into the issues of oil spillage and its resultant effects on the landscape and therefore advocates a new way of looking at Niger Delta literature from the standpoint of human damages done on environment and not the other way round. The poet is fearless in his poetic inputs and adopts a stance worthy of commendation. This paper adopts an ecocritical approach since ecology as a study transcends all boundaries and enjoys a handful of representations in literature.
Keywords: Ecocriticism, Niger Delta, Devastation, Ecopoetry, Environment, oil
GNOSIS: An International Refereed Journal of English Language and Literature, 2021
According to critic Wilbur Scott, "art is not created in a vacuum." It is invariably, the work no... more According to critic Wilbur Scott, "art is not created in a vacuum." It is invariably, the work not simply of a person, but of an author fixed in time and space, answering to a community of which he is an important part. The literary artist is informed by what happens in his environment. In achieving this, he recreates fictional characters that reflect the realities of society. In this regard, the study of literature does not only keep us abreast with the realities of our immediate environment, but it also gives us a deeper understanding of human nature; its motives and action. What drives individuals differs. This is one of the many thematic concerns being explored through the lenses of Elemeforo's characterization. Literature is ingrained in one form or another as a mirror of the ways of humanity and through absorbing it, one obtains a better understanding of human behaviour. This paper, therefore, attempts a reader-response approach to the issues of complexity of human motivation and action in Ted Elemeforo's novel, Fountain of Betrayal. It advocates a deeper understanding of people's experiences, culture, events and circumstances around them as these could trigger the way they act at a given time.
Keywords: Action, Betrayal, Characterization, Motivation, Nigerian Novel, Elemeforo
Conference Presentations by Wisdom C . Nwoga
Therapoetics: Affective Literature: 2nd Professor Kontein Trinya International Conference in Conjunction with the Department of English and Communication Art, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria., 2023
Afrobeats is a notable music genre in Nigeria which has gained international acclaim for its vibr... more Afrobeats is a notable music genre in Nigeria which has gained international acclaim for its vibrant rhythms and infectious melodies. However, its healing narratives and Therapoetic potentials have received limited scholarly attention. This study seeks to address this gap by examining how Afrobeats songs serve as a means of emotional expression, resilience, and hope within the Nigerian cultural context. It examines the healing narratives embedded in some selected Afrobeats songs, analyzing lyrics that speak to overcoming adversity, emotional solace, and fostering empowerment. This study hinges on the theoretical framework of music therapy. This is to enable the researchers to delve into ways in which Afrobeats music fosters emotional release, empowers individuals, and connects communities. By recognizing and harnessing the healing narratives and Therapoetic imperatives of Afrobeats, individuals and societies can find solace, empowerment, and unity through the transformative power of music. The study therefore concludes by highlighting the transformative potential of Nigerian Afrobeats music and its role in shaping healing narratives, and thus recommends further research and collaborative efforts between musicians and therapists to harness its Therapoetic prospects effectively.
Keywords: Therapoetic, Healing Narratives, Therapeutic, Popular Culture, Afrobeats, Nigerian Music, Affective Art
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Papers by Wisdom C . Nwoga
A work of literature opens the door for a very diverse interpretation space. Such a literary piece is therefore kept alive through the breathe of perspectives being given to it. Like Barthes in Charters and Charters, “in the multiplicity of writing, everything is to be disentangled” (1614). This work therefore, attempts a critical analysis and synoptic insight to Ted Elemeforo’s novella, Child of Destiny, to bring to fore the author’s characterization as aesthetic design of his creation.
KEYWORDS: African culture, disinheritance, radicalism, feminism, revolution, widow, oppression, girl-child
Keywords: Ecocriticism, Niger Delta, Devastation, Ecopoetry, Environment, oil
Keywords: Action, Betrayal, Characterization, Motivation, Nigerian Novel, Elemeforo
Conference Presentations by Wisdom C . Nwoga
Keywords: Therapoetic, Healing Narratives, Therapeutic, Popular Culture, Afrobeats, Nigerian Music, Affective Art