On Saturday, 24th October 2026, the Alliance Française de Lagos at the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, became a home for words. Adesuwa Africa Charitable Foundation, Naija Poetry Fest Community and Alliance Française de Lagos came together for the October Poetic Rendezvous, a double celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child and Nigeria at 66.
Poets, readers and lovers of the spoken word filled the room, surrounded by books and vibrant art. Ten poems were created and read at the event, each one a reflection of hope, identity and the Nigerian spirit. From tender verses on girlhood to bold declarations about nationhood, the performances held the audience from start to finish.
Every one of the ten poems was recognised with a prize, a reminder that creative work deserves to be valued. The ten winning entries will now be compiled and published, so their words can reach readers well beyond that Saturday afternoon in Ikoyi.
At Adesuwa Africa, we believe in giving young voices a stage and a future. Events like this show what happens when organisations and creatives work together. We are grateful to our partners, our poets and everyone who came to listen.
This is only the beginning. We look forward to more collaborations and more moments where poetry meets power. Stay tuned for updates on the anthology.
