Benue Book and Arts Festival 2025 opens with tribute to departed writers
By Paul Liam
YESTERDAY, February 20, 2025, the 5th edition of Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAF) commenced in Makurdi, the Benue State capital with an evening of performances and tributes in honour of demised literary icons including Professor David Ker, the distinguished scholar, writer, former ANA President and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Jerry Agada, former ANA national legal adviser and writer, Barrister Mike Assoh, former ANA national secretary Ada Ugah, who all passed away a few years ago. They were celebrated for their remarkable contributions to the development of literature and culture in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
The event which was held at the Metro Prime Hotel, Makurdi, was moderated by award wining performer, Oko Owoicho Afrika. The evening also had beautiful spoken word performances.
Notable writers in attendance included Professors Dul Johnson, Moses Tsenongo, Ambimbola Shittu, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Igba Ogbole, Dr. Charles Iornumbe, Salamatu Sule, Servio Gbadamosi, Michael Imosan, Carl Terver, Nana Sule, Onwanyi Ulegede, Dr. Rhoda Aorabee, Hussaini Zaguru, Dr. Shachia Oryila, Alexander Izang, Jackky Obi-Bankong, Namse Udosen, among others.
Also in attendance was the organiser and founder of the festival, Sueddie Vershima Agema who came in from Nottingham, UK, where he now lives. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Book and Arts as Weapons of Mass Instruction for Liberation’, to be delivered by H.E Prof. Iorwuese Hagher, former Minister and Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada and Mexico and renowned scholar of Kwagh Hir performance.
Festival Director Sueddie Vershima Agema flanked by festival goers
