Ndukwe Onuoha
Ndukwe Onuoha | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 5, 1982 |
| Occupation | Poet, Politician |
| Alma mater | Abia State University |
| Notable works | Nwa Chukwu |
Ndukwe Onuoha is a Nigerian-born British poet, advertising executive and politician. He currently serves as councilor on the Derby City council representing Mackworth & New Zealand, and cabinet member for Streetpride, Public Safety in the council.[1][2]
Early life
Ndukwe Onuoha was born on March 5, 1982, in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria and hails from Abiriba in Abia State. He studied History and International Relations at Abia State University.[3]
Advertising career
Ndukwe began his advertising career in 2007 as a copywriter at SO&U Saatchi & Saatchi in Lagos, Nigeria. By 2015, he became Head of Creative at 7even Interactive, later serving as the agency's pioneering Creative Director in 2017. He has created campaigns for brands across Nigeria, West Africa and the UK, including AB InBev, Uber, British Council, and Diageo.[4][5]
Poetry and performance
Ndukwe is a spoken word poet whose work explores themes of identity and social issues. He has released two spoken word albums: 'Revolutionary Verses' (2017) and 'Nwa Chukwu' (2019). His performance style combines conversational delivery with traditional and modern instrumentation. He was part of the cast of 'Finding Home,' Nigeria's first poetry theatre production, which toured Lagos and Berlin. In 2019, he performed at the Lagos Fringe Festival, presenting a stage adaptation of 'Nwa Chukwu'.[6] He has earned critical praise for his literary works including Nwa Chukwu.[7]
Film and cultural career
Ndukwe executive produced the short film 'Ada Ani (The Awakening),' inspired by Igbo mythology, which has been featured in film festivals. He serves as Chief Griot at We Are Griots[8] and Managing Director at The Nsibidi Project, a Community Interest Company CIC) focused on platforming African voices.[9]
Political career
After moving to the UK in 2021, Ndukwe settled in Derby and became active in local politics. In May 2023, Ndukwe achieved a historic milestone by being elected as the first African councilor in Derby, United Kingdom representing Mackworth and New Zealand ward.[10][11] Running on the Labour Party ticket,[12] his victory not only reflected the changing demographics of the city but also marked a significant step towards increased diversity in local governance.[13] Ndukwe has also been actively engaged in promoting cultural understanding and integration between the Igbo community and the wider population in the United Kingdom. In July 2024, he was appointed as the new cabinet member for Streetpride, Public Safety & Leisure in Derby City Council, UK.[14]
Personal life
Ndukwe is married to Nonye Ndukwe-Onuoha, Co-Founder of Nsibidi Projects, a Supply Chain, Procurement & Policy Governance professional. They have two children and live in Derby.
References
- ^ "Ndukwe Elected First African Councillor in Derby, United Kingdom – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ "Ndukwe ONUOHA personal appointments - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ "Ndukwe Onuoha". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ "Ndukwe Onuoha: English-based poet who's become first African councillor in Derby". Skabash!. 2023-06-10. Retrieved 2025-05-10.
- ^ "Episode 31: Ndukwe Onuoha | Creative Director, Oliver MEA – "Shut Up & Listen"". Just a Chat With. Retrieved 2025-05-10.
- ^ Nwafor (2019-12-16). "The significance of keeping spoken word performance alive". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-05-10.
- ^ Kan, Toni (2019-09-14). "Ndukwe Onuoha limns family history with "Nwa Chukwu", - Toni Kan". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ "Team – We Are Griots". Retrieved 2025-05-10.
- ^ "Team – The Nsibidi Project". Retrieved 2025-05-10.
- ^ "First African and first black woman councillors elected to Derby City Council". Derbyshire Live. 2023-05-09. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2023-05-07). "Ndukwe elected first African councillor in Derby, United Kingdom". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ "Councillor details - Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha". www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk. 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ [email protected] (2023-05-06). "Nigerian poet, Ndukwe Onuoha of Labour Party elected councillor in UK". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ Anaesoronye, Modestus (2024-07-21). "Nigerian Onuoha appointed cabinet member Streetpride, Public Safety & Leisure in UK". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-04-20.