PIN @10: Celebrating the power of words, volunteering, creativity in October
By Editor
POETS in Nigeria Initiative is set to celebrate 10 years of poetry for service with the theme: ‘Celebrating the Power of Words, Volunteering and Creativity.’ Co-founded 2015 in Surulere, Lagos by Eriata Oribhabor and Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom, PIN has a line-up of events in October to thrill poetry lovers across the country, as the anniversary celebration will be both physical and virtual. The keynote speaker is the UK-based Nigerian award-winning poet, author, communications expert, CEO Words Rhymes & Rhythms, publisher and arts administrator, Kukogho Iruesiri Samson.
Other highlights of activities include a N2 million prize in a 2-day national poetry slam in three categories: Native Tongues, Naija Pidgin and English language respectively, a 3-day national poetry reading by renowned and burgeoning poets including Prof. Niyi Osundare, Prof. Akachi Ezigbo, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, Ahmed Maiwada, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Dr. Jumoke Verissimo, Sueddie Agema, Sandison Jumbo, Ebikeme Adowei, Prof. Mark Nwagwu, Dr. Ebidenyefa Tarila-Nikade, Engr. Emmanuel Opigo, Tade Ipadeola, etc.
Panel discussions on poetry and poetry related topics like ‘Poetry, Struggles and Social Change’ by Basira Rabi’u Idris, ‘The Art of Revolution and Societal Change’ by Aj. Dagga Tolar, ‘Where Does Poetry Stop?’ by Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, ‘Culture and Memory Through Found Poetry’ by Ofem Ubi, ‘Children Literature and Mentoring’ by Teresa Ameh and Dr. Mary-Joan Ifeyinwa Nwaogu. Others are ‘Collaboration, Partnership and What?’, a discuss by young poets, ‘Beyond the Manuscript – Towards Equitable Royalties and Copyright Structures in Nigeria Ecosystem’ by Diego Odoh Okenyodo and Richard Mammah, ‘Poets & Wellness’ by Awele Ilusanmi and Ayo Daforge, and the 4th edition of PIN annual cross country poetry celebration’s National Coordinator, Basira Rabi’u Idris.
The event has the endorsement of PIN’s grand patrons – Prince Dr. Yemisi Shyllon and the Very Rev. Christian Anieke respectively and other national patrons like Thomas Peretu, Yemi Adebiyi, etc.
According to a statement from President, Eriata Oribhabor and Executive Secretary, Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom announcing the event, the PIN’s 10th anniversary celebration is a month-long programme that commences (online) on October 1 with the US-based celebrated Igbo chant performer, poet, storyteller, and passionate advocate for indigenous languages, Amarachi Attamah-Ugwu. Coordinating the online poetry reading sessions on October 2, 5 and 8 are Iquo Diana Abasi, Anote Ajeluorou, Ekaete George, Soonest Nathaniel, Abdulmalik Yahaya and Oluwatomini Bee Cheng Dew.
All events will be wrapped up with the finals of the national poetry slam at Ikorodu on October 24, 2025 and Freedom Park, Lagos on October 25, 2025 respectively. This will be complimented alongside special recognitions and awards to deserving Nigerians and foreigners, sponsors, partners, collaborators, etc. It promises to be awesome.
PIN Co-founders, Eriata Oribhabor (left) and Freedom Olarenwaju
