The just concluded Abuja International Poetry Festival, AIPFEST, held a lot of promises and anticipation for its second edition. Here’s a rundown:

The AIPFEST was curated by Nasara Creative, in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization( WIPO Nigeria,) The African School of Economics, The Abuja Literary Society, Spine&Label, The Embassy of Brazil in Nigeria, The Africa IP Summit, Jeje Riders, and others.

It set off from November 14-16, 2024, at the International Conference Center Pavilion, Garki, Abuja.

With the theme of “Afro Futurism and Digital Culture,” the festival aimed at reintroducing the revolutionary spirit of African Literature and Culture, by scaling through virtual and physical sessions, featuring: Poetry Masterclasses, Panel Discussions, Art Exhibitions, Poetry Performances by spoken word artists, a traditional poetry concert, a climate change movement, with its guest creatives.

The topics discussed include:

•The Future of Poetry In Publishing
•IP Masterclass- facilitated by the Nigerian Copyrights Commission
•Ride for Climate Change, with Jeje Riders
•Let There Be Light– a closing Concert

The Festival ended with a Poetry slam, The Efe Paul Azino Prize, judged by Deborah Johnson, Deji Ige, Loveth Liberty, and Michael Imossan.

Pacella Chukwuma-Eke emerged as the winner of the Poetry Slam, while Sa’ada Isa Yahaya and Ekio Aziba( Dearsociety,) were the runner ups.

With this, we can all agree that AIPFEST 2025 is worthy of a lip clinging and heart racing anticipation.