Greetings to the great people of Rivers State, and welcome to another episode of Rivethics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that true friends don’t backstab, rather they stab in the front so we can take correction. Our topic today is the significance of the United Nations’ World Poetry Day.
World Poetry Day seeks to promote linguistic diversity and expression through poetry. The day also serves to encourage poetry, promote its teaching and support publishers involved in its dissemination. Poetry is a type of artistic expression that emphasizes feelings and ideas by using different styles and rhythms. The United Nations believes that poetry is an affirmation of our common humanity and proves that all humans everywhere share the same questions and feelings. Thus the World Poetry Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999, and is celebrated annually on March 21st.
I have no poetic gift whatsoever, although I love poetry, especially the excellent arrangement of best words with deep meanings. However, I attempted to put something together for our beloved State and its wonderful people. Like me, I encourage you to make an attempt on poetry on any subject of interest to you for the reading pleasure (or endurance) of your family and friends on March 21st. That way, we can all commemorate the day together with the international community. Now my little poem (please feel free to enjoy or endure):
Oh Rivers, our lovely and homely State
Where no clan or community again shall hate
We are one family, one people under God
And must visit our brothers no more with the sword
Our land is blessed and enriched
Our children exceed peaks we never reached
And as we determine to all their potentials tap
Our State tall shall stand on the global map!
Our guest speaker this week is, Mr. Kenneth George Kalio, expert strategist and enthusiast of arts and culture. He will be highlighting the significance of the UN World Poetry Day. Please enjoy the episode.
Our good people of Rivers State, please remember to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
Her Excellency, Justice (Mrs) Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of the Governor of Rivers State
and Initiator of the RivEthics Character Development Programme
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below