Manny Ita –
It was a colourful and vibrant gathering at City Café in the GRA area of Benin City as poets and writers assembled for a World Poetry Day celebration organised by the Benin Writers Society.
The programme commenced with opening remarks by the Vice President (Administration), Blessing Osabouhien Aguebor, who welcomed guests in a lively and humorous tone and introduced the comperes for the event.
The well-attended gathering, which drew literary enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, was anchored by Success Ude and Monachi Agunwa, both described as emerging comperes within the city’s creative scene.
In his opening address, the President of the society, Douglas Ogbankwa, provided insight into the origin of the organisation and the motivation behind commemorating World Poetry Day.
The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Iryn Omorogiuwa, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, commended the organisers for their initiative and called for stronger strategic collaborations within the creative sector.
The highlight of the event was a poetry competition themed “Muses Against Irregular Migration.” At the end of the contest, Festus Guwendia placed third, Constance Awolate finished second, while Osinachi Bernice emerged winner, receiving the top prize alongside certificates and cash awards presented to all finalists.
The panel of judges was chaired by Professor Mark Osama Ighile, Head of the Department of English Studies at Benson Idahosa University. Other members of the panel included Barr. David Maduku, Ms. Helyn Michaels, Dr. Paul Ofule and Miss Precious Osikha.
A thematic discussion on “Muses Against Irregular Migration” featured contributions from Dr. Precious Ofule, Pastor Mike Omoregbee, Chief Lucky Agazuma, Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, among others. Speakers examined the challenges associated with irregular migration and explored the role of poetry as a tool for advocacy and social change.
Earlier, Princess Diana Eweka, Vice President (External Affairs and Events), delivered a presentation on the significance of World Poetry Day. The programme also featured a literary debate described as a “gender battle” between Barr. Gabriel Ehigiator and Success Ude on the topic of who is more romantic between Nigerian men and women.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Chief Host, Akin Ojo-Longe, Chief Executive Officer of City Café; Comrade Kayode Igaruagba, representing Nayville British Schools; Hon. Kingsley Topa Ogini of Gini Couture; officials of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; and representatives of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Edo State Chapter.
The event concluded with an after-party where DJ Ajaz provided music entertainment, rounding off the celebration with performances that reflected a blend of poetry, rhythm and creative expression.
