The fifth edition of World Poetry Day (WPD) was held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, centered around the theme “World Poetry Day 2024: Engaging the Quintessential Poet Wole Soyinka @90.”
Esteemed poets and poetry enthusiasts convened for an unforgettable gathering.
Highlights of the event included Nathalie Handel’s moving rendition of a poem inspired by Wole Soyinka’s literary legacy and Salamatu Sule’s captivating 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 incorporated Yoruba traditions into his poetic performance. Spoken word artist Oko Owi Ocho also delivered powerful renditions from his collection ‘We Will Sing Water.’
Evelyn Osagie’s stirring piece ‘It is no longer Leah’ echoed Soyinka’s tribute to Leah Sharibu, marking a decade since her captivity.
World Poetry Day, established by UNESCO in 1999, aims to foster a global appreciation for poetry. Sponsored by Providus Bank, this year’s event honored Soyinka’s multifaceted contributions as a poet, playwright, and advocate for civil rights.
French-American poet Nathalie Handel presented a poem inspired by lines from Wole Soyinka’s works.
The occasion also featured an exhibition showcasing Soyinka’s life and career through various artworks and photographs.
Since 2020, Providus Bank’s CSR initiative, the “Providus Bank Poetry Café,” has collaborated with CAC to organize this annual celebration under the guidance of Wole Soyinka.
