The atmosphere at the Alliance Française de Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi came alive with laughter, creativity, music, and powerful expressions as the Naija Poetry Fest Community hosted another memorable edition of its monthly Poetry Rendezvous in celebration of International Children’s Day.
Tagged “Advancing Children’s Rights and Future,” the gathering brought together young minds, educators, artists, poets, and culture enthusiasts in a vibrant celebration of children, creativity, and the transformative power of art.
From the very beginning, the event carried a warmth that reminded everyone present why children remain at the heart of every meaningful future. The poetry performances delivered by the participating children reflected innocence, honesty, imagination, and courage. Their words were simple yet profound, proving once again that children often speak with the purest hearts and the clearest vision of society.
Speaking during the event, the Convener of Naija Poetry Fest, Godson Osarenren, emphasised the importance of creating platforms that nurture children creatively and socially.
> “Every child carries a voice capable of changing the world. Our responsibility as a society is to create spaces where those voices are heard, nurtured, and celebrated. Poetry gives children confidence, imagination, and the courage to dream beyond limitations.”
The event featured remarkable participation from schools including Vicmob Schools (Primary and High School), Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, and Holyspice. Young creatives such as Anjiola Animola also left lasting impressions with expressive performances and confident presentations that earned admiration from the audience.
One of the most inspiring moments of the day came through the generosity of musician and creative supporter Jesuorobo Kingsley. During the listening session of his track “Balanced,” he rewarded outstanding young writers with cash prizes as a way of encouraging creativity and supporting emerging talent. The gesture was warmly received and stood as a reminder that nurturing young voices requires both recognition and investment.
The event maintained a rich blend of literary and artistic experiences was anchored by Mrs Regina Obi aka Reigning Queen. Tonie Akinola entertained the audience with soulful music and live guitar performances, creating moments of reflection and excitement throughout the programme. Mr. Adeniran Odumbo also engaged the children through an art session that encouraged visual storytelling and creative exploration beyond spoken words.
Adding cultural depth to the gathering, Shigo Arts delivered a sterling cultural performance on the recorder and drums that celebrated African heritage and artistic expression. Their performance brought colour, rhythm, and movement into the event space, further reinforcing the importance of preserving culture while empowering younger generations.
The success of the programme was strengthened through the support of several organisations and media partners who continue to believe in community-based literary engagement. Special appreciation was extended to Alliance Française de Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre, Splash 9JA, Omonaijablog, Nigerian NewsDirect, FAMFTREE, and Shigo Arts for their partnership and commitment to youth-centred creative development.
Beyond the performances and entertainment, the gathering reflected the growing impact of Naija Poetry Fest as a platform committed to building community through literature, culture, and artistic collaboration. The monthly Poetry Rendezvous continues to create safe and inspiring spaces where young people can express themselves freely, discover their talents, and connect with wider creative communities.
As the curtains closed on another successful edition, one message remained clear: when children are given platforms to speak, create, and dream, society moves closer to a future shaped by empathy, imagination, and hope.
Naija Poetry Fest’s celebration of International Children’s Day was not just an event. It was a reminder that poetry, art, and culture remain powerful tools for advancing children’s rights, confidence, and future possibilities.
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Splash9ja is proud to be a Media Partner to Naija Poetry Fest community and all it’s offerings and events. Congratulations on this initiative to celebrate the International Children’s Day ahead of May 27.
