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

It was a scene of pomp and ceremony at City Café in the heart of GRA, Benin City, as resplendently dressed poets and writers gathered for a "conclave of words" under the auspices of the Benin Writers Society to celebrate World Poetry Day.


The event kicked off with the Vice President of Administration, Blessing Osabouhien Aguebor, welcoming guests in a comic tone before introducing the comperes. The well-attended event, which attracted poets and enthusiasts from all walks of life, was moderated by the delectable duo of *SUCCESS UDE* and *MUNACHI AGUNWA* aka *(MOON)* , two of Benin City’s fast-rising Comperes.

The President of the Benin Writers Society, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., in his opening speech, provided insight into the origin of the society and the inspiration behind the World Poetry Day celebrations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barr. Iryn Omorogiuwa, who represented the Honorable Commissioner and attended in her own right, commended the organizers for their foresight and called for strategic collaborations within the creative space.

A Salute to Our Sponsors

The success of this grand literary gathering was made possible through the generous support of our esteemed sponsors. The Benin Writers Society extends its profound gratitude to Douglas Ogbankwa Esq.,/Mrs.Mary Ogbankwa Barr. Gabriel Ehigiator, and Dr. Andrew O. Ehanire for their unwavering commitment to the arts. We also acknowledge the vital contributions of Dr. Precious Ofulue-Pclan Estates, Chief Lucky Agazuma-DG , Edo State Migration Agency , Apostle Sam Adejumo, Nayville British School (GRA, Benin City), Chief Johnson Oboh-Peters, Mr. Edwin Edebiri, and Imade, as well as our Anonymous donors whose silent support spoke volumes.
The event reached its climax with a Poetry Competition themed "Muses Against Irregular Migration." After a keenly contested session, Festus Guwendia took third place, and Constance Awolate came second, while Ezesinachi Bernice won the coveted title. All three received certificates and cash prizes. The panel of judges was chaired by the respected Head of the Department of English Studies at Benson Idahosa University, Professor Mark Osama Ighile.

Other panel members included Barr. David Maduku, Ms. Helyn Michaels, Dr. Precious Ofulue, and Miss Precious Osikha (of Precious Pen fame).
A thematic exploration of "Muses Against Irregular Migration" followed, featuring panelists Dr. Precious Ofulue-Pclan Realty Estates, Pastor Mike Omoregbee (CEO of Standard Schools and Standard Lectures), and Chief Lucky Agazuma (Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency). This discussion offered deep insights into the intractable problems of irregular migration and how poetry can serve as a tool to stem the tide.
Earlier in the program, Princess Diana Eweka, Vice President of External Affairs and Events, gave a talk on the essence of World Poetry Day. This was followed by a spirited "literary gender battle" between Barr. Gabriel Ehigiator (Vice President of Operations) and Success Ude (Director of Media and Branding) on the romantic prowess of Nigerian men versus Nigerian women.


The event was truly star-studded, featuring dignitaries such as the Chief Host, Akin Ojo-Longe (CEO of City Café), Comrade Kayode Igaruagba (representing Nayville British Schools), Hon. Kingsley Topa Ogini (Gini Couture), and the Vice Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Edo State Chapter.


To wrap up the festivities, DJ Ajaz, Edo State’s foremost female Disc Jockey, gave a stellar performance at the after-party, where a "Poetry Party" filled with vibes and verve brought the celebration to a close.