Nnorom Okezie Azuonye, a distinguished Nigerian writer and editor, hails from Isuikwuato in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria. He was born on July 12, 1967, in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State. The youngest son of the late Stephen Onyemaechi Azuonye, MON, MBE, and Hannah Egwuime Azuonye, Nnorom was raised in an environment that fostered creativity and discipline.
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Early Life and Education
Nnorom Okezie Azuonye began his formal education at the prestigious Government College Umuahia, a school renowned for nurturing some of Nigeria’s finest literary minds. During his time there, he earned the nickname “Tombo” and became known for his artistic flair and leadership in literary circles. In his final year, he served as the editor of the Nile House Magazine. A vibrant member of the school’s Dramatic Society, he once portrayed a female role in a play by Ene Henshaw during the famed Umuahia Drama Week—a performance that remains memorable among his peers.
Following his secondary education, Nnorom studied at Capital College in London before gaining admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he pursued a degree in Dramatic Arts. Alongside his childhood friend, Nwakamma, he once envisioned founding a major publishing house with offices in London, Enugu, Owerri, Accra, Nairobi, New York, and Cape Town—a dream that reflects his lifelong passion for literature and publishing.
Writing Career
Nnorom Azuonye has established himself as a prolific and globally recognized writer whose works span poetry, drama, essays, and editorial commentary. His literary voice has resonated through numerous international journals, newspapers, and anthologies. Among the many publications that have featured his work are Agenda, DrumVoices Revue, Eclectica, Orbis, World Haiku Review, Nigerians Talk, African Writing, African Writers, Sketchbook, Poetry Monthly, Opon Ifa, and Theatre Forum.
His poetry has also been included in powerful thematic collections such as Voices Against Racism: 100 Poems Against Racism and Poems for a Liminal Age, edited by Mandy Pannett. Through these platforms, Azuonye has used his pen to explore themes of identity, humanity, injustice, and personal introspection, establishing a unique place in the contemporary African literary landscape.
Books
Nnorom Azuonye is the author and editor of several acclaimed literary works, reflecting a diverse and evolving body of work. His published books include:
- Letter to God & Other Poems (2003) – a reflective and emotionally resonant collection.
- The Bridge Selection: Poems for the Road (2005 & 2012) – an introspective journey through poetry.
- Blue Hyacinths (2010) – co-edited with Geoff Stevens, featuring powerful voices in modern poetry.
- Sentinel Annual Literature Anthology (2011) – co-edited with Unoma Azuah and Amanda Sington-Williams, showcasing outstanding contributions across genres.
- Funeral of the Minstrel – a poetic meditation on loss, memory, and legacy.
- The Genesis of Falcon (2015) – editor of this theatrical piece and anthology highlighting winners of Sentinel’s literary competitions.
Literary Activities
In 2002, Nnorom founded the Sentinel Poetry Movement, a global community and publishing platform committed to promoting poetry, fiction, drama, essays, interviews, and critical reviews. The movement has played a crucial role in providing emerging and established writers with a respected outlet for creative expression and dialogue.
Azuonye served as the Managing Editor of Sentinel Literary Quarterly, an internationally recognized journal of world literature. He also established Sentinel Nigeria, a digital magazine focused on contemporary Nigerian writing and critical thought. Earlier Sentinel publications, Sentinel Poetry (Online) and Sentinel Poetry Quarterly, were eventually merged to form the cohesive Sentinel Literary Quarterly, which remains a beacon of quality and literary excellence.
Family Life
In 2006, Nnorom Azuonye married Thelma Amaka Azuonye (née Mbomi), and together they built a home in London, United Kingdom. The couple is blessed with four children: Arinzechukwu, Nwachiamanda, Obinna, and Ugochukwu. Despite his global engagements and literary commitments, Azuonye has always emphasized the importance of family, drawing inspiration from his personal life for much of his work.
References & Further Reading
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“About Nnorom Azuonye” – Sentinel Literary Quarterly. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
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“African-Writing Online: Poetry – Nnorom Azuonye.” Retrieved May 26, 2020.
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“Nnorom Azuonye – About Me.” www.nnoromazuonye.com. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
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The Genesis of Falcon: Sentinel Annual Poetry and Short Story Competitions 2012 Winners Anthology by Nnorom Azuonye (Editor), SPM Publications, November 2013. ISBN: 978-0992705527.
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Additional resources:
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