Ogunleye Esther and Siyanbola Victor

The Okigbo Poetry Club attached to the University of Ibadan held the 2024 edition of her poetry festival on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Faculty of Arts quadrangle, University of Ibadan.

The glamorous and memorable event was themed “Ubuntu”, which means “I am Because We Are”; an African philosophical concept that foregrounds the interdependence of humans on one another for survival.

In attendance were prominent personalities including the keynote speaker, Prof Niyi Osundare; grand patron, Prof Aderemi Raji Oyelade; and Dr Charles Akinsete amongst others who were present to give inspiring speeches and spur the attendees to action.

In the words of Prof Niyi Osundare, he stated, “Nigeria has money but it doesn’t have honesty. We have a beautiful country that has been made ugly by ugly rulers”.

In an excerpt from The Japa Series, an anthology by the professor, he listed, “The grass is not always as green on the other side, so let us all work hand in hand, and let all hands be on deck to produce that Nigeria that we all want.”

Poets trooped out in their various attires to commemorate the occasion bringing a stunning, unique, and breathtaking scene to the festival.

Towards the end of the event, the patron of the Club, Prof Remi Raji, presented certificates to the members of the executive body in honour of their meritorious services and resolve to make the festival a fruition.

In an interview with a member of the club in attendance, she exclaimed, “I enjoyed the Okigbo Poetry Club’s festival today. I got to hear some inspiring words from Prof. Niyi Osundare; his words were so powerful and gave me so much knowledge. Even though I didn’t eat the ekuru that was prepared”.

After a series of discussions, question and answer sessions, and oratory performances, refreshments were served to all students and guests and the festival came to an end.