In a symbolic passing of the torch that bridges past and future, the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) has announced “CHANGE: Imagining Alternatives” as its theme for the 27th Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF). The announcement came during the closing ceremonies of LABAF 26.0, maintaining a tradition that has marked the festival since its inception in 1999.
The week-long literary and cultural celebration will take place from November 10-16, 2025, at Freedom Park, Lagos. This announcement signals a bold new direction for one of Africa’s premier cultural events, which has consistently served as a platform for critical dialogue on Nigeria’s social and political landscape.
CORA Secretary-General Toyin Akinosho, speaking to a packed audience that included Chairman of CORA’s Board of Trustees, Chief Kayode Aderinokun, emphasised the significance of the chosen theme. “The eruptions happening all over the place and the state of things make people begin to think about the idea of change,” Akinosho explained. “We’re not just talking about change as a concept, but actively imagining alternatives – whether at personal, national or global levels.”
The theme selection appears particularly timely, following the 26th edition’s focus on “BREAKOUT: Hope Is a Stubborn Thing,” which examined grievances and deterioration in major sectors of Nigerian society. The progression from hope to imagining alternatives reflects LABAF’s commitment to fostering constructive dialogue about Nigeria’s future.
In a significant development, this year’s festival saw unprecedented involvement from the 27-member CORA Volunteer Corps (CVC), prompting Chief Aderinokun to declare an unofficial “handover to the younger generation.” This transition mirrors the festival’s evolution from its roots as a literary feast to its current status as a comprehensive campaign for literacy and cultural engagement.
The 2025 edition promises to maintain LABAF’s diverse programming, including book readings, art exhibitions, workshops and performances. Programme Chair and LABAF Director Jahman Anikulapo has already issued a call for content submissions that align with the theme of imagining alternatives, encouraging contributions across various artistic disciplines.
The festival’s expansion beyond traditional literary boundaries reflects its three core elements: education, enlightenment and empowerment. Special programmes like the Green Festival for secondary school students and the CORA Youth Creative Club continue to target young audiences, fostering the next generation of cultural leaders.
LABAF has established itself as more than just a cultural event; it has become a vital platform for national discourse and social change. The 2025 theme suggests a festival that will not only critique current systems but actively explore viable alternatives for Nigeria’s future.
The announcement’s timing and setting – made both in the intimate plenary room of Kongi’s Harvest Art Gallery and on the main stage of Freedom Park – symbolised the festival’s dual nature as both an intellectual forum and a popular cultural celebration.
As the sun set on LABAF 26.0, the festival grounds buzzed with anticipation for next year’s edition. With its ambitious theme and growing youth involvement, LABAF 27.0 appears poised to continue its tradition of pushing boundaries and challenging conventional thinking about Nigeria’s future.
The festival organisers have urged potential participants to mark their calendars and avoid scheduling conflicts, learning from this year’s experience. As Nigeria continues to grapple with various challenges, LABAF’s platform for imagining alternatives could not be more relevant or necessary.
