The fifth annual World Poetry Day (WPD) took place at Eko Hotel, Lagos, with the theme “World Poetry Day 2024: Engaging the Quintessential Poet Wole Soyinka @90.” Distinguished poets and enthusiasts gathered for a memorable event.
The event featured captivating performances, including Nathalie Handel’s recital of a poem inspired by Wole Soyinka’s works and Salamatu Sule’s engaging reading of ‘Procession Hanging Day’ from Soyinka’s ‘A Shuttle in the Crypt.’
Malika Booker from Manchester Metropolitan University performed ‘I Annoint my Flesh’ from the same collection, while Akeem Lasisi blended Yoruba tradition into his poetry performance. Spoken word Artist Oko Owi Ocho also had renditions from his ‘We Will Sing Water’
Evelyn Osagie’s poignant piece ‘It is no longer Leah’ resonated with Soyinka’s tribute to Leah Sharibu, marking ten years since her captivity.
World Poetry Day, designated by UNESCO in 1999, aims to promote poetry globally. Sponsored by Providus Bank, this year’s event celebrates Soyinka’s multifaceted contributions as a poet, dramatist, and civil rights advocate.
The occasion also featured an exhibition showcasing Soyinka’s life and career through artworks and photographs. Since 2020, Providus Bank’s CSR initiative, the “Providus Bank Poetry Café,” has collaborated with CAC to organise the annual celebration under the supervision of Wole Soyinka.
