Yenagoa Book & Arts Festival 2024 unites literary voices, honours cultural legends
The future of the Niger Delta lies in our ability to tell our stories, says NCDMB’s Engr. Ogbe
Veteran actor Bimbo Manuel charges NCDMB to be lead sponsor of YEBAF in 5-year plan
By Godwin Okondo
THE inaugural edition of Yenagoa Book & Arts Festival (YEBAF) took place from September 23 – 26, 2024 and literally transformed the otherwise sleepy cultural landscape of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital into a vibrant centre for literary and artistic expressions. This first-ever festival ignited a flurry of cultural activities that showcased the Niger Delta region’s artistic talents and expressions. Writers and artists of various persuasions gathered at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Onopa, Yenagoa, to give vent to various artistic expressions.
With the theme ‘Resilience: How Storytelling Shapes Our Lives,’ YEBAF 2024 highlighted how narrative traditions shape the collective identity and survival of Niger Delta communities and beyond. For three days, the festival served as a platform for celebrating the region’s rich artistic and literary heritage, with a particular focus on fostering a reading culture among the city’s residents. Cultural dances, performance of Gabriel Okara’s two poems ‘The Call of the River Nun’ and ‘The Fisherman’s Invocation’ and poetry performance by Chijioke Amu-Nnadi and Harry Batubo spiced up the festival and animated the audience also made up of children from different schools.
Veteran actor Bimbo Manuel, Programme Chair of Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) and culture communicator Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, award winning performance poet Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, journalist and writer Ajeluorou and journalist and speculative fiction master, Mr. Mazi Nwonwu made the long pilgrimage to Yenagoa to meet and share the stage with local talents like Ebi Roberts, Ebizimo Arabina, Engr. Frank Opigo, Dr. Helen Opigo, Dr. Preye Sawyerr-George, Inetsol Eyal, Hannah Onoguwe, Dr. Sophia Obi, Bramiz, Harry Batubo, Opusam Ete, Angel James (A J Writes), among other to strut their creative stuffs on stage.
The festival was dedicated to two cultural giants of the Niger Delta — Emeritus Professor of History E.J. Alagoa @91, and poet of the riverine lore Dr. Gabriel Okara — in recognition of their significant contributions to the region and Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual legacy. Festival Curator Ms Annette David-West duly recognised the iconic duo while welcoming her guests to the festival.
According to her, “As we gather in this vibrant city, we honour two literary icons who have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. Professor E.J. Alagoa, a titan of scholarship and a weaver of words, celebrates his 91st year, while Dr. Gabriel Okara, a master poet and novelist, continues to inspire us from beyond the veil. Their contributions to our literary heritage are a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit.
“And our theme ‘Resilience: How Storytelling Shapes Our Lives’ bears out the potential of the human spirit to remain resolute in its quest to overcome adversities. Nowhere else in Nigeria is this spirit of resilience more pronounced than the Niger Delta terrain that our festival city is at its heart. From oil exploratory activities and its resultant negative impact on the environment to neglect and developmental challenges, to flooding, etc, the Niger Delta has continued to show resilience. We are only too happy to celebrate the spirit of resilience of our people.
Panel response to Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei’s keynote: Bimbo Manuel (left); Dr. Helen Opigo; representative of keynote speaker Mr. Dianam Dakolo; session moderator Mr. Jahman Anikulapo; Festival Curator Annette David-West; Engr. Frank Opigo and Yenagoa NBA Branch Chairman, Somina Johnbull Esq.
“This festival is a tapestry of diverse voices, a kaleidoscope of creative expression, and a symphony of ideas. We have assembled an array of authors, actors, publishers, artists, culture administrators, book sellers, and book enthusiasts, each bringing their unique perspective to the table. Our keynote speaker, renowned for his erudition and eloquence, will regale us with insights into the world of literature and the arts.”
Also, David-West also emphasized the festival’s ambition to inspire new voices and ideas through a blend of literature, arts, and intellectual discourse. She acknowledged the importance of partnerships, particularly with the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Let the Earth Breathe Initiative, Along and Niger Delta Heritage Society (NDHS), among others.
Delivering the keynote address was Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, represented by Mr. Dianam Dakolo, who reflected on the theme of resilience in the context of storytelling. Ayawei praised the festival’s focus on storytelling, emphasizing its enduring impact on cultural preservation and personal growth.
“I should state right from the outset that I am not a practitioner but have been an ardent fan of folklore from childhood to date. Bedtime stories, often by our mothers and grandmothers, and ‘Tales by Moonlight’ in the wider family courtyard, as popularised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) between 1984 and 2002, have been part of cultural experience that some of us are nostalgic about. My infant mind was nurtured in some ways through folklore, and I grew up embracing certain values and rejecting others, and cultivating cherished virtues that have moulded me into who I am.
“Exposure to the rich cornucopia of myths, aetiological tales, fairy tales, legends, romances, and fantasy that our homes and traditional settings afford us has thus been positively impactive. Not only are they entertaining and educative, they have inspired generations of men and women to great attainments and breakthroughs in all human history. Even such modern variants like science fiction and memoirs have irresistible appeal for me.”
Prof. Ayawei traced the origin stories of mankind to myths and folklores, noting that they provide man with rich materials that mould characters and values that shape man’s understanding of the world.
“These storytelling genres derive largely from glimpses of the dim past, the earliest beginnings of human existence, as captured in oral tradition,” he said. “Preliterate societies had no documentary records of events, of how human life and physical nature evolved over time, but the performing arts, notably, folklore and drama, became a means of recreating that world – the people, their worldview and thought systems, etc. – to teach us fundamentals of truth and of life and thus preserve those qualities that are central to human success and societal stability.
“Creation myths, for instance, seek to provide explanations as to how the world and universe as well as human life came to be. The corpus of stories in Ijaw folklore that centre around Woyingi – She who creates – belong in this genre. In much the same way, aetiologoical tales provide what are presumed to be explanations as to why certain things are the way they are. So we have a body of stories like ‘How the Tortoise Got the Cracks on His Shell’, which is so popular in the Niger Delta.
“In countless folktales, too, we encounter characters who rose from rags to riches or gloriously weathered storms through sheer courage and a never-say-die attitude. Given this background, I should not fail to comment on the phrasing of the theme, the key words you have thoughtfully chosen, and to commend the timeliness of this event – a time of hardship across the land. ‘Resiliency’ evokes images of adversity and an unyielding spirit, a spirit of unrelenting struggle driven by faith in a better tomorrow and a conviction that hard times are only for a season, merely a passing phase.
“Storytelling inundates our minds with past events and experiences that suggest what is happening now is not new and also proffers means of escape, strategies that work and could be adopted. So, much as you have stated your aims, namely, “to promote literacy, arts, and culture among Bayelsa citizens, with a special focus on empowering our young people,” I should like to state that there is a lot else to it.
“This is a festival – and festivities are moments for unwinding, for relaxation and celebration of the good things of life. Moments like this incline us to the bright side of life; they challenge us to be positive about life. Which I think is most apt for the present circumstances of our country. And as you rightly implied in the theme, storytelling helps shape our attitude to life. Our engagement here today is an exploration of this theme, and at the end of the exercise, we should be able to establish its veracity.”
Ayawei also explored the thematic richness of Ijaw folklore, touching on themes like creation, greed, human nature, and good versus evil. These themes, he argued, “have enduring relevance, and their moral lessons remain embedded in the collective psyche. Folktales often culminate in a moral lesson that stays with the listener long after the story is told. They offer a unique perspective on human existence and the challenges we face, making them timeless tools for education and reflection.”
The festival’s key supporter NCDMB had its Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Gbenga Sheba Esq., delivering remarks on the intersection of storytelling, art, and industry. He focused on the oil and gas industry’s role in promoting cultural resilience, particularly through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that support artistic and cultural endeavours. The oil and gas industry has had a profound impact on the Niger Delta, both positively and negatively, he said, adding that, “the industry has also played a role in supporting cultural activities that preserve and celebrate our heritage,” and pointed to various examples such as Nigeria LNG’s sponsorship of The Nigeria Prizes for Literature Science and Shell Petroleum Development Company’s support for local festivals, environmental remediation projects, and cultural initiatives.
Ogbe also shared a powerful narrative about a small fishing village devastated by an oil spill but restored through a collaborative cleanup project. This story, he said, exemplified the region’s resilience and the importance of community action in overcoming adversity, adding, “The story of this village is a testament to the resilience of the Niger Deltapeoplee. It is through stories like these that we inspire hope and positive change.”
Ogbe further highlighted NCDMB’s commitment to fostering local talent and promoting Nigerian content in the arts, highlighting the board’s support for projects like the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, which aims to preserve the cultural heritage of Nigeria’s oil industry while serving as a hub for arts and history.
“NCDMB actively supports community art projects, public murals, and art installations that highlight the beauty and heritage of the Niger Delta,” he stated. “These projects not only beautify communities but also serve as reminders of the importance of environmental preservation,” with Ogbe envisioning greater collaboration between the oil and gas industry and the arts, and called for closer partnerships to create narratives that reflect the realities of life in the Niger Delta while promoting positive change.
“Imagine a future where every oil and gas project includes an artistic component that tells the story of the land and its people,” he intoned with passion. “These collaborations would enrich our cultural heritage and ensure that the voices of the Niger Delta people are heard and respected,” and also touched on the oil industry’s influence on local artists, including writers like Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose works, such as Sozaboy vividly depicts the struggles of the Ogoni people, citing examples of writers, musicians, and filmmakers whose works address the challenges of environmental degradation and social justice in the Niger Delta.
Cultural dance group from Buguma displaying the fattening room dance by maidens of old PHOTOS: ANOTE AJELUOROU
The NCDMB’s Executive Secretary also spotlighted the power of the arts to drive social and environmental change while highlighting a mural project in Ogoniland that serves as both a community beautification effort and a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. Inspired by such projects, Ogbe said, NCDMB has supported numerous artistic initiatives across the Niger Delta, including art exhibitions, literary events, and film screenings.
““Through art, we tell stories of resilience, capturing the essence of our experiences and aspirations. We also support cultural festivals across Nigeria, celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of different regions. These festivals, with their traditional music, dance, and crafts, are a testament to our resilience as a people. They remind us of our roots and the strength we draw from our cultural identity. NCDMB has organised film and documentary screenings in film and literature that highlight local content and stories.
“These screenings often include discussions with filmmakers and actors, inspiring and educating aspiring filmmakers. Similarly, our support for literary events such as book readings, poetry readings, writing workshops, and literary competitions encourages the development of literary talent in Nigeria. These platforms allow storytellers to share their narratives of resilience, shaping our collective consciousness.
“Our support extends to music and dance performances, where local musicians and dancers showcase their talents. These performances are not just entertainment but powerful expressions of our resilience, preserving traditional Nigerian music and dance forms for future generations. Additionally, NCDMB organizes and supports educational programs and workshops focused on the arts and culture, nurturing young talents and providing them with the skills and opportunities to pursue careers in the creative industries.
“The future of the Niger Delta lies in our ability to tell our stories,” Ogbe stressed. “Through literature, visual arts, and music, we have the power to inspire positive change, preserve our heritage, and build a better tomorrow.”
After highlighting its array of collaborations and partnerships with the artistic and cultural industry, Mr. Manuel was obliged to respond, and stressed the importance of strengthening the collaborations Engr. Ogbe spotlighted in his address with YEBAF as pilot scheme. Manuel asked NCDMB to henceforth commit to being the lead sponsor of Yenagoa Book & Arts Festival with an initial five-year sponsorship plan starting from next year to guaranty the festival’s longevity. He said NCDMB should do for YEBAF what Nigeria LNG is doing for the literature and science prizes, so as to enrich the artistic and cultural landscape of not only the Niger Delta but Nigeria as a whole, as creatives from other parts of Nigeria will find in YEBAF a home for their creative expressions.
Earlier, two royal fathers – one as chairman and the other as royal father of the day — HRM (Dr.) Seiyifa Koroye and HRM Bubaraye Dakolo – also lent their voices in support of Yenagoa Book & Arts Festival 2024 by endorsing it and praying for its success and sustainability in its quest to help nurture creative impetus in the Niger Delta and beyond.
