Poetry, music, visual art and meaningful conversations on peaceful coexistence took centre stage at the September edition of the Monthly Poetic Rendezvous, held on September 19, 2026, in commemoration of the International Day of Peace.
Tagged “International Peace Day,” the gathering explored the theme, “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” bringing together poets, artists, cultural enthusiasts and members of the community to reflect on the place of peace in contemporary society.
At the heart of the gathering was a simple but profound question: “What can we do without peace?” The question became a recurring point of reflection as participants explored peaceful coexistence, personal responsibility, understanding and the need to strengthen relationships across generations and communities.
The Alliance Française de Lagos family, alongside Odufa and Precious, actively participated in the conversations, sharing thoughtful perspectives and contributing meaningfully to the day’s reflections on peace, coexistence and community responsibility.
Adding an expert perspective to the conversation was Mrs Ibiba Odili, a retired NDLEA boss, whose years of public service informed her reflections on peaceful coexistence, particularly among the different generations that make up society.
The event also demonstrated the power of art to communicate what words sometimes cannot. Ruth Mahogany thrilled the audience with a performance of her soon-to-be-released song, “Dun Dun Deri,” while Holyspice and Debbie Usak delivered poetry inspired by the day’s theme.
An electrifying dance performance by Joan x Ade further enriched the programme, creating a vibrant blend of spoken word, music, movement and creative expression.
The artistic experience continued with an interactive visual art session led by Mr Adeniran, giving participants the opportunity to explore the idea of peace through colour, imagery and personal creativity.
The programme was anchored by Gina Obi, popularly known as Reigning Queen, who seamlessly connected the various segments and kept the evening engaging.
The gathering also recognised individuals whose support has contributed to the continued growth of the Monthly Poetic Rendezvous, including Mr Chima, Shigo Art and Kachi. Nigerian international poet and cultural curator Lanre Sonde was equally acknowledged for his support and contribution to the initiative remotely.
Beyond the performances and artistic activities, the September edition reaffirmed the role of poetry and cultural gatherings as spaces for meaningful social conversations. Godson Osarenren, the Convener, encouraged participants to see peace not merely as the absence of conflict, but as something that demands continuous investment in dialogue, understanding, empathy and responsible relationships.
The Monthly Poetic Rendezvous continues to serve as a meeting point for poets, artists, creatives and lovers of culture, creating space where literature meets conversation and artistic expression becomes a vehicle for social reflection.
The September gathering ended on a celebratory note, leaving participants with renewed reflections on peace—and anticipation for more poetry, more art and more conversations that bring people together.
From our desk at SPLASH9JA, we congratulate Mr. Godson Osarenren and the Naija Poetry Fest Community team for their efforts in showcasing the best of arts and literary culture in Nigeria.
