Lagos once again pulsed with creativity as Naija Poetry Fest gathered poets, storytellers, artists, and young voices for an evening that celebrated peace and community. In partnership with Alliance Française, the festival carried its theme like a river, flowing across borders, cultures, and generations.
The evening opened with Scott Ogu anchoring the stage, guiding the audience with calm assurance. A striking video animation poem by Adesewa Alagbala merged visuals with spoken words, setting the tone for reflection.
The poetic Rendezvous Convener Godson Osarenren welcomed guests warmly, highlighting the urgent need for peace and outlining the vision behind the Naija Poetry Fest community. The day’s colours were deepened by partners, including Story Tide Media, Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper, and others who lent support to the celebration.
One of the standout moments came from Anjelika Anandh Reddiyar, a 15-year-old from India, a student of Grenville Schools, who delivered a French poem on peace with poise far beyond her years.
Art met poetry in a powerful way when Wurdart painted live while reciting verse, turning brush strokes into living lines of poetry. Tradition also had its moment as the Nigerian Children Cultural Heritage troupe performed a piece on marriage as the seed of peace in every home.
The event also marked the official book launch of Stanzas from the Bronze Capital, an anthology born from the Battle of Stanzas held in Benin City on August 30, 2025. The book not only preserves the voices from that stage but also positions Benin as a rising literary capital.
The lineup carried layers of rhythm and resonance. Opeyemi Adeoye, the storyteller, held the audience with wisdom woven into narrative. Ayoade Arinola led listeners into quiet reflection with gentle but stirring poetry. Energy then surged as Givah_Da_God brought rap to the stage, balancing intensity with message. Spoken word poets Obase Sam Okoi and Ayomide Ogu followed, igniting fresh fire in the hall.
By its close, Naija PoetryFest had done more than showcase talent. It created a living space where words, music, and art carried the weight of culture and possibility. The gathering was a reminder that poetry is not merely an art form. It is a force that nurtures peace, binds communities, and gives voice to the spirit of a nation.
