Onyedikachi Nmezi
About Me
Biography of Comrade Onyedikachi Nmezi
Comrade Onyedikachi Nmezi, fondly called “Jara” by friends and admirers, is a distinguished Nigerian writer, playwright, poet, essayist, and newspaper columnist whose works shine a light on the human condition. His writing grapples with themes of inequity, societal struggles, resilience, and the enduring complexities of life. Born into a Christian family of seven—four girls and three boys—he is the third son and second-to-last child, raised in the tranquil village of Owerre-Nkworji, Imo State, Nigeria.
His early years were steeped in a profound sense of storytelling and creativity, laying the foundation for his later literary pursuits. He had his primary education at Central School Owerre-Nkworji (1982–1988) before proceeding to Saint Augustine’s Grammar School, Nkwerre, where he graduated in 1994 with outstanding results in the Senior School Certificate Examination (S.S.C.E). Driven by an innate passion for the arts and knowledge, Comrade Nmezi enrolled at the prestigious University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, where he majored in Theater Arts, earning both a Diploma (Dip.THA) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons) degree.
At the University of Calabar, Comrade Nmezi honed his creative skills under the guidance of esteemed mentors, including Prof. Kalu Uka, Prof. Chris Nwamuo, Prof. Edde Iji, Prof. Molinta Enendu, and Prof. Onookome Okome. His dedication to scriptwriting and directing shone brightly, and he became an active participant in stage productions, bringing characters to life with unparalleled passion. His B.A. thesis, “Propagating Ethnic Culture in Nigerian Film Production: A Case Study of Nigerian Igbo Video Film,” demonstrated his commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage through the arts.
Furthering his academic pursuits, Comrade Nmezi achieved a Master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies in 2013 from the Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus. This advanced education equipped him with a deeper understanding of media as a tool for storytelling and advocacy, strengthening his resolve to inspire societal change through his works.
A Youthful Beginning: How the Journey Began
Writing has always been a constant companion in Comrade Nmezi’s life—a friend, refuge, and vehicle for self-expression. His journey as a storyteller began in early childhood, where he often played lead roles in school plays, or “concerts” as they were called then. Under the tutelage of ingenious teachers, he was encouraged to compose and perform songs, recite poems, and share stories inspired by biblical tales like David and Goliath or Lazarus’ resurrection. These moments nurtured his love for performance and literature, setting the stage for a lifetime of writing.
From a young age, Comrade Nmezi felt a deep concern for the underprivileged, an instinctive nudge against stigmatization that shaped his worldview. This concern for equity and justice became central to his creative journey, inspiring him to challenge societal norms and advocate for the marginalized.
Serious Writing: Finding Purpose
Comrade Nmezi’s journey into serious writing began during his time at the University of Calabar. Selected by his directing lecturer to write and stage a play for his diploma graduating practical, he scripted his debut stage production, The Millipedes. Produced at the Chinua Achebe New Arts Theatre in 1998, the play was hailed as a masterpiece, setting the tone for his career as a playwright.
Beyond theater, he regularly contributed poems to the department’s press board, “Akata Press Board,” using the platform to address the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. Creative writing soon became a sine qua non for Comrade Nmezi—a means to express his concerns about the widening gap between the rich and the poor, the antagonistic relationship between power and justice, and the perennial question of why villains are celebrated while heroes are punished.
Writing Philosophy: Art with a Purpose
Comrade Nmezi approaches writing as both an art form and a discipline. His process is marked by quiet reflection, sharp imagination, and a commitment to addressing humanity’s deepest concerns. Believing that writing must entertain, educate, and inspire, he follows the principles of harmony, aesthetics, and ethical integrity in every work. His creative output explores the universal challenges of existence, offering hope amidst absurdity and light amidst darkness.
While his writing often critiques societal inequalities and systemic failures, it also celebrates resilience, joy, and the human spirit. Through his work, Comrade Nmezi seeks to humanize and civilize society, inspiring both leaders and ordinary citizens to pursue justice, empathy, and progress.
Universal Values and Cultural Identity
Though deeply rooted in the Nigerian-African experience, Comrade Nmezi’s works transcend borders, exploring themes that resonate globally. His stories tackle the contradictions of wealth and poverty, the struggles of existence, and the universal desire for justice and equity. By reflecting the experiences of Nigerians within a broader human context, his literature becomes both a mirror and a guide for his audience
Major Achievements and Aspirations
Comrade Nmezi’s body of work includes unpublished volumes of poetry, plays, and essays, including the evocative collection Synergy of Senses, which grapples with the mysteries of life. Despite the challenges of securing benefactors, he remains steadfast in his mission to inspire, inform, and transform society through literature.
As an active member of the Association of Nigerian Authors, he uses his platform to address topical issues, particularly youth empowerment and societal reform. His contributions to newspaper columns further amplify his voice, making him a crucial figure in contemporary cultural and political discourse
On Staging Plays and Theatre's Power
For Comrade Nmezi, theater is a vital instrument of societal change—a dynamic medium where human ideas are embodied and challenged. Whether through unpublished scripts or staged productions, he demonstrates a deep respect for the craft, asserting that a dramatic text is incomplete until it is brought to life on stage. This belief underscores his dedication to creating performance texts that spark dialogue and inspire action.
Legacy and Vision
Comrade Onyedikachi Nmezi is more than a writer—he is a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of hope, and a chronicler of the human condition. His works bridge the gap between the past and future, offering his audience a roadmap for survival, resilience, and transformation. As he prepares to launch his novels and other literary works, his vision is clear: to join the ranks of the world’s great writers, crafting stories that entertain, inspire, and challenge his readers to imagine a better world.
Underneath the ceiba tree of his literary imagination, Comrade Nmezi’s legacy grows—a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring strength of the human spirit.