Sometime in 2025, an unexpected gift from Jide Badmus, a respected Nigerian poet reminded me that the work we do in silence matters. If you’re wondering whether your efforts count, read this.
The Gift of Being Seen
Sometime in 2025, while I was jumping in and out of virtual work meetings, my phone buzzed beside me. I picked it up absent-mindedly, expecting the usual notifications that fill a workday. Instead, it was a WhatsApp message from Jide Badmus, one of Nigeria’s most respected poets, now based in Europe.
The message was brief and direct. “Hi, Jaachịmmá. Send your account details.”
I found myself staring at the screen for a few seconds. It was unexpected, and honestly a little strange. That kind of request can mean many things, and my mind ran through all of them. Still, I replied and sent the details, trying not to read too much into it.
A few moments later, a credit alert dropped. Almost immediately, another message followed. “Thank you, for all you do for young African poets.”
Everything around me seemed to pause. I stopped what I was doing and just stared at my phone. I was completely taken by surprise. My chest tightened, and my eyes watered before I could stop them.
So my efforts are seen?
Check out books by Jaachịmmá Anyatọnwụ.
There is a particular loneliness that comes with doing behind-the-scenes (it seemed) work. You keep building platforms and opening doors of opportunities for others. You keep creating spaces for other people’s voices to be heard, often without fanfare or public applause. Most days, it feels like you are pouring yourself into the work and sending it out into the world, unsure of who notices or who cares.
That message answered a question I did not even know I had been asking.
Although the gift was meant for me personally, I did not hesitate to channel every dime into Ikike Arts and Poemify Publishers/Podcast, specifically for domain name and website hosting renewal. It felt like the most honest use of it. The platform needed to stay alive and remain available for the next young poet searching for somewhere to belong.
I am deeply grateful… for generosity that arrives unannounced.
If you are doing meaningful work and wondering whether it matters, let this be your reminder. Someone is watching and thankful. Even if they have not said it yet.
We keep going.
