By Uzair Adam
The second edition of the Kano International Poetry Festival, organised by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, has opened in Kano, with a focus on using poetry and art to advocate for peace in a time of crisis.
The three-day event, which began on Thursday, was formally declared open on Friday under the theme “Celebrating Poetry in a Time of Crisis.”
The Daily Reality reports that the festival drew an audience of writers, poets, academics and art enthusiasts from different parts of the country, further strengthening Kano’s place as an important centre of literary and cultural expression.
Speaking at the opening, Nasiba Babale, the Creative Director of the initiative, said the festival aims to remind people of the power of poetry and art in fostering peace and development.
“We are just trying to remind ourselves how we can use poetry and art to advocate for peace in a time of crisis that we have in Northern Nigeria,” she said.
She explained that the festival features a variety of activities, including a panel discussion with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II, a grand poetry slam with a prize of one million naira, a poetry and music night, an art and poetry exhibition, and a poetry dispensary.
According to Ms Babale, the festival, first held in 2024 at Bayero University, Kano, is expected to draw between 300 and 500 participants.
Guests are attending from across the country, including Lagos, Kaduna, Minna, Jos, and Zaria, as well as virtual participants from outside Nigeria.
Also speaking, one of the participants, the renowned writer BM Dzukogi from Niger State, said the festival was “beautifully organised” and praised its broad reach in bringing artists together from across Nigeria.
The veteran writer, who also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service and dedication to the arts, added that young writers must embrace responsibility, creativity, and innovation to make meaningful contributions to society.