Lagos, Nigeria —The Naija Poetry Fest Community, in collaboration with Alliance Française Lagos, celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a vibrant showcase themed “Grin in Our Green.”
Held on Saturday, 18th October 2025, at the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, the event brought together poets, artists, and cultural enthusiasts in a colourful expression of creativity and patriotism.
Anchored by Oluwatobi Adeyemi, the evening featured an engaging blend of poetry, music, art, and reflective talks, offering attendees an artistic lens on Nigeria’s journey. The atmosphere brimmed with warmth and national pride as both seasoned and emerging talents took the stage.
Highlights included captivating performances by Favour Godswill, King Kachi, and the Nigerian Children Cultural Heritage (NCCH) troupe. A rhythmic trio, Tobi Adeyemi, Seun Oyeniyi (Shigo Arts), and Sekoni Ezekiel (Ironmonkey), thrilled the audience with a dynamic fusion of drums and rhythm. The Mishra kids, Arvian and Viraj, representing the Indian community, added a delightful multicultural touch with their dance to a medley of Nigerian beats.
The event received invaluable support from Ms. Odufa, the Librarian, and the Alliance Française Lagos team whose ongoing commitment to promoting art and literature in Nigeria remains exemplary. Storytide Media and Splash 9JA, our formidable collaborators, were also present to capture the sights and sounds of the day.
Speaking after the event, Godson Osarenren, Convener of the Naija Poetry Fest, expressed his delight at its success, emphasizing that the festival continues to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration while celebrating Nigeria’s creative resilience and unity.
The Grin in Our Green celebration reaffirmed poetry and art as powerful tools for national cohesion, cultural exchange, and hopeful reflection, reminding all participants of the beauty woven into Nigeria’s diversity and the enduring power of collective creativity.
