The fifth annual World Poetry Day (WPD) was celebrated at Eko Hotel, Lagos, with a focus on honoring the legendary poet, playwright, and activist Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday. The event, themed “World Poetry Day 2024: Engaging the Quintessential Poet Wole Soyinka at 90,” brought together distinguished poets and enthusiasts for a memorable gathering.
Attendees were treated to captivating performances that highlighted the depth and richness of Soyinka’s literary legacy. Nathalie Handel, a French-American poet, delivered a stirring recital of a poem inspired by Soyinka’s works, setting the tone for the evening. Salamatu Sule captivated the audience with her reading of ‘Procession Hanging Day’ from Soyinka’s collection ‘A Shuttle in the Crypt,’ showcasing the timeless relevance of his themes.
Malika Booker from Manchester Metropolitan University added her voice to the tribute, performing ‘I Annoint my Flesh’ from the same collection. Akeem Lasisi, known for blending Yoruba tradition into his poetry, offered a unique perspective on Soyinka’s influence. Spoken word artist Oko Owi Ocho also left a lasting impression with renditions from his collection ‘We Will Sing Water.’
Evelyn Osagie’s poignant piece ‘It is no longer Leah’ struck a chord with the audience, echoing Soyinka’s call for justice and freedom, particularly in the case of Leah Sharibu, who has been in captivity for ten years.
World Poetry Day, designated by UNESCO in 1999, aims to promote the reading, writing, publishing, and teaching of poetry worldwide. This year’s event, sponsored by Providus Bank, highlighted Soyinka’s multifaceted contributions as a poet, dramatist, and civil rights advocate, showcasing his enduring impact on literature and society.
An exhibition was also held, 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 the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) to organize the annual celebration under the supervision of Wole Soyinka, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire generations of poets and activists.
