As the world gears up to celebrate World Poetry Day on March 21st, Providus Bank is once again at the forefront of promoting the art of poetry through its annual “Providus Bank Poetry Café” event. Established as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, this year’s edition promises to be a special one as it coincides with the 90th birthday anniversary of the iconic Nigerian poet and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
The event, officially titled “ProvidusBank World Poetry Day Café: An Evening with Wole Soyinka,” is set to take place at the prestigious Banquet Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 4 pm.
The Poetry Café, curated by the Culture Advocates Caucus (CAC) and directed by renowned cultural icon Jahman Anikulapo, has been a platform for celebrating poetry and addressing critical societal issues since its inception in 2020. Past editions have explored themes such as environmental conservation, youth empowerment through education, and gender equality.
The 2024 edition’s theme, “World Poetry Day 2024: Engaging the Quintessential Poet Wole Soyinka @90,” reflects the focus on honoring Soyinka’s legacy and contributions to literature and activism.
The event will feature presentations and performances by nine poets, including six Nigerians and three international poets. Each poet will engage with Soyinka’s works, creating a dialogue through their unique poetry styles and interpretations.
Attendees can expect not only captivating poetry performances but also an exhibition showcasing artworks and photographs highlighting Soyinka’s life and illustrious career. The evening will culminate in a reception, providing an opportunity for networking and further discussions on the power and relevance of poetry in today’s world.
The Poetry Café remains an integral part of Providus Bank’s commitment to supporting the arts and fostering cultural exchange, making World Poetry Day a momentous occasion for poetry enthusiasts, literary scholars, and the general public alike.
The World Poetry Day (WPD) is celebrated every March 21 globally as declared by the UNESCO in 1999 to “promote the reading, writing, publishing, and teaching of poetry throughout the world” and, to “give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional, and international poetry movements.”
