The 17th edition of Stories Fest was successfully held at the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together students, educators, artists, poets, and development advocates in a vibrant celebration of creativity, education, and youth expression.
Organized under the theme “Voices of the Future: Securing the Right to Education for Every Nigerian Child,” the event highlighted the transformative power of storytelling, poetry, dance, and visual arts in advancing conversations around children’s rights and access to quality education.
The festival, a collaborative effort involving Naira Poetry Fest Community, Art and the African Child (ATAC), Alliance Française Lagos, the United Nations Information Centre Nigeria, and other partners, attracted enthusiastic participation from schools and members of the creative community.
Delivering the opening remarks, Godson Osarenren welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of nurturing young voices through literature and the arts. He noted that storytelling remains a powerful tool for inspiring social change and empowering the next generation.
The audience also received an inspiring address from the Founder of ATAC, Mr. Vincent Odigie, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting education, creativity, and social development among African children.
The event was expertly anchored by Oluwatomini Bee Cheng Dew, popularly known as Naijanese, whose energy and engaging presence kept the audience captivated throughout the programme.
One of the major highlights of the festival was the participation of invited schools, including Vicmob Schools, Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Smart Crest Schools, and Granville International School. Students from these institutions showcased exceptional creativity, talent, and intellectual engagement, earning admiration from attendees.
The stage came alive with captivating performances by Holy Spice and Tonie the Emperor, whose artistic presentations entertained and inspired the audience. Adding even more excitement, the Guild of Nigerian Dancers, Lagos State Chapter, delivered electrifying dance performances that drew enthusiastic applause from participants.
Meanwhile, Iwalewa Art Gallery provided an immersive artistic experience for both children and adults, encouraging participants to explore creativity through visual arts and interactive engagement.
Speaking after the event, organizers described the festival as a resounding success, expressing gratitude to all attendees, volunteers, schools, performers, and partners whose contributions made the programme memorable.
Special appreciation goes to Dr Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha, award winning author “Beyond The Trial,” who gifted every attendee a copy of her award-winning book.
As the curtains closed on another successful edition, participants left inspired by a shared vision of a future where every Nigerian child has access to quality education and the opportunity to tell their story.
Stories Fest 2026 once again demonstrated that when young voices are empowered, creativity becomes a force for transformation, hope, and national development.
“Your Story. Your Voice. Our Future.”
#StoriesFest2026 #VoicesOfTheFuture #EducationForEveryChild #NairaPoetryFest #ATAC #AllianceFrancaiseLagos
