24 February 2025
Written by Hank Knerr, Raising Arts
A Blog in Five Movements
Movement 1: Getting to Lagos
In November 2024, I began a mission to secure a Nigerian tourist visa to attend the first public cello recital by Chibuike Victor, a young man I had been following since a year prior. Given the recital was on Monday 17th February 2025, at MUSON School of Music in Lagos, Nigeria, there appeared to be more than ample time. Joining me would be fellow supporters Kay Smith and Joyce Sharman. The process became much more complicated than expected. Although Joyce and Kay decided not to go for various reasons, I was still in. But timing was not on my side causing the process to abruptly stop. By January 17th, the door had slammed ever so loudly resulting in deep disappointment.
However, just over a week later, the door swung open again with Chibuike’s help, getting me in touch with Mr. Steve in Lagos who put me on the path to a Visa on Arrival. A bit more money, more paper filing, international monetary transfer, and the hope of me getting to Lagos in time for Chibuike’s Recital resumed, once again.
With the devoted assistance from family close friend, Stanley, plans commenced again to have Chibuike’s family travel to Lagos to witness the program–to hear him live for the first time! This included Chibuike’s parents, Celestine and Priscilla, and his older brother, Ugu, also called Stanley while three other younger siblings remained home. Hotel rooms were reserved, Stanley secured bus tickets from their hometown of Onitsha—a 10-hour bus ride—and Stanley made his own arrangements to come from Abuja to manage the details. But in the end, did it happen?
Movement 2: Still Getting to Lagos
Well, of course it happened. But things were still not simple. Following work- and friend-related visits in Scotland (3-10 February) and Cardiff, Wales (10-14 February), I arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, at 9:00 p.m, 14th February). Getting my visa after landing was a bit of a scary process; but after about an hour, my passport was stamped and returned, entering the country and met with an impressive entourage including Stanley, Steve, an immigration lawyer, an assistant, and Tayo, our driver.
Then quickly to the car and off to the hotel, arriving around 11:30 p.m. Tired, but not too tired to briefly meet the family–lovely and beautiful, each one. And certainly not too tired to greet my then raison d’être– Chibuike! We had chatted online almost daily for over a year, and I followed his progress with Michael Kevin Jones and Grace Tin-Yen Christus. What an extremely special and emotional moment for us both. A tight hug, warmly returned. So, extraordinary.
Part 3: Meeting and Gifting
Saturday and Sunday 15th and 16th were spent talking with each other and with family. The dialect was sometimes difficult for us all, despite their knowledge of English. Thanks to Stanly serving as “clarifier,” we got along great. All were effusive in their thanks to me and to all those who have helped support Chibuike, with a special thanks to Michael Jones (“Mr. Michael”) and Grace Christus (Ms. Grace) and added appreciation to Miss Kay (Kay Smith) and Miss Joyce (Joyce Sharman). This was repeated often over our four days together. And from Chibuike, there was special mention of the students he has already met online from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and effusive appreciation for the gifts they sent.
Of the many reasons for this trip, the most important was to receive Chibuike’s parents’ blessing should he be successful in starting studies at IUP. Celestine, Priscilla, and brother Ugo all agree that Chibuike has their full support and their blessing. Another moment that reached deep into my heart.
From the family, I received personalized journals for me and others involved back in Pennsylvania, plus a desk calendar with heartwarming thanks placed on each month. Also very special was a sketch of me by a Nigerian artist. Be sure to ask to see it if you visit my home, where I will proudly hang in the room that will be Chibuike’s if he comes to Indiana.
Gifts presented to the family included several items such as Hershey’s and Gardner’s chocolates and Indiana and Pennsylvania-centered items and extra chocolates for Chibuike’s three younger siblings back home.
Movement 4: Music Becomes the Star
Music practiced for hours, days, weeks; suit pressed and shirt crisp. He is ready, and we are all ready to hear him. We also don our best attire and await the driver, Tayo. With a curtain time scheduled for 2:00 p.m., the first transport headed to MUSON at about 1:45 p.m., a concern for this clock-obsessed American since each trip takes 10-15 to and back. The math concerned me, but I was comforted a bit by Stanley and Tayo informing me that all things run by Nigerian time, usually 20 or more minutes late. Stanley and I were on our way at 2:00 p.m., arriving in the recital hall and seated just about 3 minutes before the recital began.
Chibuike was in the poll position. He walked out on stage, bowed, and set his cello. After all this time since my first contact in November 2023, my heart swelled and my eyes filled as I heard a performance that showed a growth and a maturity that acknowledges music as the star and the musician as the vessel. From intonation to musical expression, Chibuike’s playing was the best I had ever heard. He made his cello sing!
For me, the immediate celebration was short as I was whisked away, soon to return to the hotel. But after his own revelries at MUSON, Chibuike us at the hotel to continue celebrating with his family.
Movement 5: The Coda, Tuesday and Wednesday
The next two days brought a mix of emotions. On one hand, the exhilaration of the recital and visit were sustained. But on the other hand, the end of my visit was fast approaching. On Tuesday, Chibuike returned to classes and rehearsals, ending in the early evening with the purpose of joining me and the family for dinner as they would be leaving early the next morning.
Then on Wednesday, following the family’s departure, Chibuike, Stanley, and I spent time going over information about IUP, the student visa process, and the online application steps needed. It was a very productive time. In the early evening, two of Chibuike’s classmates, euphoniumist Josiah and flutist Jonathan, joined the three of us for a dinner before I had to leave for the airport. Both were part of the recital and was pleased to be able to express my compliments on their performances and get to know a couple of Chibuike’s friends.
With a United Airlines departure from Lagos set at 11:50 p.m., we arrived just in time for my check in and a hurried, sad final goodbye. After about 18 hours of travel that included landing at Washington’s Dulles Airport then a quick flight to Pittsburgh, I was safely home in Indiana, PA, at approximately noon, Thursday 20th February 2025.
Chibuike certainly earned the right to study music and cello. It’s not only him, but hundreds, thousands like him that deserve a chance to pursue their dreams in music. He is doing that, and the honor of helping him is completely mine. Thank you to Chibuike, and thank you to all those many people making this all possible through their support. And a special thank you to family friend Stanley and Chibuike’s family for making this all extra special.
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