There is a familiar saying that the pen is mightier than the sword. For Nigerian-born literary prodigy, Dr. Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu, his pen is not just mightier; it is prolific, daring, and transformative. Known for his remarkable literary prowess, this distinguished author has achieved a feat that staggers the imagination. The poetic genius has written an astounding 2,000-plus poems within a single calendar year, a record that speaks volumes about his boundless creativity, tenacity, and dedication.
A man of many facets, Dr. Obohwemu’s journey toward this monumental achievement began with a simple challenge: to compose 1,000 poems within a year. By standard calculations, this would require creating at least three poems each day—an already daunting task. However, Dr. Obohwemu decided to make his mission even more challenging. Each poem was to be composed of seven stanzas, each with four lines, adhering to the ABAB rhyming scheme, his personal favorite.
With no external motivation, financial rewards, or mentors to provide inspiration, Dr. Obohwemu embarked on this literary journey driven purely by a desire to achieve the seemingly impossible. This poetic quest was further complicated by his simultaneous preparation for his first professional MBBS exams—a critical steppingstone in his medical career.
Despite these significant challenges, Dr. Obohwemu not only met his goal but doubled it, penning over 2,000 poems by the year’s end. Notably, in May of that year, he authored more than 500 poems. On two separate occasions, he composed 40 and 44 poems in a single day, respectively, culminating in a record-breaking 54 poems on May 31st, 2005. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity are testament to his unique ability to harness his creativity under pressure.
A medical graduate from Delta State University in Nigeria, with a PhD in Public Health from the University of Sunderland, UK, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Roehampton, UK, and a postgraduate certificate on Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington, USA, Dr. Obohwemu’s academic achievements are as impressive as his literary ones. His teaching career spans multiple continents, currently serving as a Lecturer at the University of Sunderland in the UK and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Dr. Obohwemu’s accomplishments have been widely recognized, earning him numerous awards, including the Obama’s YALI Leadership Award for his exceptional leadership skills. He has also represented young African leaders at international conferences, including nominations for the 2017 Summer Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and the 2017 International Conference on Climate Change in Bellevue, Washington.
His love for the written word began in his childhood home, where his beloved mother decorated the walls with motivational quotes. These seeds of inspiration blossomed into an enduring love for language and storytelling, which eventually led him to create his own quotes, poems, and short stories. This passion for literature evolved further as he began to write, direct, and produce plays for his church’s youth wing.
Through his PENKUP International organization where he serves as President and CEO, Dr. Obohwemu aspires to inspire the next generation of young leaders to never stop dreaming and to take action. His experience in healthcare, education, civic leadership, policy formulation, legislative drafting, business, entrepreneurship, community development, and youth empowerment is a testament to his diverse skill set and commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Dr. Obohwemu’s journey from the motivational quotes of his childhood home to penning over 2,000 poems in a year is a story of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering determination. It is proof that no goal, no matter how lofty, is insurmountable. His accomplishment serves as a beacon of inspiration and a stark reminder of the power of dreams, tenacity, and hard work.
His work’s thematic richness, combined with a unique blend of lyrical prowess and intellectual depth, has made Dr. Obohwemu a literary force to be reckoned with. His poetry, much like the man himself, transcends mere words on paper, evolving into a powerful medium that touches lives and sparks change.
Dr. Obohwemu’s journey wasn’t without its trials. The challenge of combining his poetic pursuit with the demands of medical school was a test of his strength and commitment. Yet, he emerged victorious, passing his medical exams even as he surpassed his self-imposed literary challenge. This balance between his medical profession and literary passion reflects his multifaceted nature, embodying the spirit of an individual who thrives on pushing the boundaries of possibility.
One of his poems, “They Came From Afar,” penned during his poetic marathon, earned him his first international award for poetry, marking his entry into the global literary stage. This recognition further underscored his exceptional talent and the significance of his unprecedented poetic feat.
In the face of daunting obstacles and against all odds, Dr. Obohwemu has firmly established his place in the world of literature. As the author of Africa’s first full-length futuristic romantic suspense novel, ‘Every Time We Meet’, he continues to break barriers and redefine the landscape of African literature. His multiple international award-winning thriller novel ‘Twisted’ continues to astound the imagination with its suspense-filled intrigue and nail-biting finishes.
His story is a testament to the transformative power of ambition, discipline, and dedication. It is a potent reminder that even the most formidable mountains can be conquered, one step at a time. As he has shown, it is always better to try, to dare, and to dream, no matter how unrealistic or insurmountable the challenge may seem.
Dr. Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu’s legacy transcends his remarkable literary achievements. As a mentor, a leader, and a visionary, he continues to inspire a new generation of authors and leaders. His commitment to fostering growth and nurturing talent has seen him establish and lead several organizations, including the Association of Nigerian Student Authors (ANSA), the National Association of Young Authors (NAYA), and the Global Association of Young Authors (GAYA).
In the end, Dr. Obohwemu’s story is more than a chronicle of literary accomplishment— it is a testament to the power of dreams, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of words. It serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream, reminding us that no mountain is too high to climb, no goal too ambitious to pursue, and no challenge too great to overcome.
Interested in learning more about Dr. Kennedy Obohwemu? Visit his Wikipedia page, here.
PENKUP website: https://penkup.com/
Follow his journey on Instagram: @penkup_international, @ansa_nigeria, @doc_keni.
