Poetry Comes Alive in Benin City as Benin Writers Society Celebrates World Poetry Day

By Reporter

It was a colourful and vibrant gathering at City Café, located in the heart of GRA, Benin City, as elegantly dressed poets and writers converged for a celebration of words under the auspices of the Benin Writers Society’s World Poetry Day event.

The programme kicked off with the Vice President (Administration), Blessing Osabouhien Aguebor, who welcomed guests in a lively and humorous tone while introducing the comperes for the day.

The well-attended event, which attracted poets and literary enthusiasts from all walks of life, was anchored by the dynamic duo of Success Ude and Monachi Agunwa—two of Benin City’s fast-rising comperes.

In his opening address, the President of the Benin Writers Society, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., gave insight into the origin of the society and the inspiration behind celebrating World Poetry Day.

The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Iryn Omorogiuwa—who represented the Honourable Commissioner—commended the organisers for their foresight and called for stronger strategic collaborations within the creative sector.

The highlight of the event was the poetry competition themed “Muses Against Irregular Migration.” After a keenly contested session, Festus Guwendia emerged third, Constance Awolate came second, while Osinachi Bernice clinched the coveted first prize. All winners received certificates and cash awards.

The panel of judges was chaired by Professor Mark Osama Ighile, Head of the Department of English Studies at Benson Idahosa University. Other panelists included Barr. David Maduku, Ms. Helyn Michaels, Dr. Paul Ofule, and Miss Precious Osikha of Precious Pen fame.

A thematic discussion on “Muses Against Irregular Migration” featured contributions from Dr. Precious Ofule, Pastor Mike Omoregbee (CEO of Standard Schools and Standard Lectures), and the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Chief Lucky Agazuma. The session provided deep insights into the challenges of irregular migration and explored how poetry can serve as a tool for advocacy and social change.

Earlier, Princess Diana Eweka, Vice President (External Affairs and Events), delivered a talk on the essence of World Poetry Day. The audience was also treated to a lively literary “gender battle” between Barr. Gabriel Ehigiator (Vice President, Operations) and Success Ude (Director of Media and Branding), debating who is more romantic—the Nigerian man or the Nigerian woman.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Chief Host, Akin Ojo-Longe (CEO of City Café); Comrade Kayode Igaruagba (representing Nayville British Schools); Hon. Kingsley Topa Ogini of Gini Couture; the Director of Entertainment and Creativity at the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; and the Vice Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Edo State Chapter.

The celebration concluded with an energetic after-party, where DJ Ajaz, one of Edo State’s foremost disc jockeys, thrilled attendees with great music during a lively poetry party filled with excitement, rhythm, and creative expression.