THE BENUE BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL 2022: Arts and the Convergence

Already in its 4^th year running, the Benue Book & Arts Festival (BBAAF’22) came alive from Monday 20^th to Saturday 25^th June, 2022. Virtual sessions held on Zoom and Facebook with physical meetings at the Metro Prime Hotel, High Level and Steam Lounge, Old GRA, Makurdi.

Beginning with an evening interactive session on Monday, 20^th, at the Metro Prime Hotel, which featured a highly engaging and intellectual discourse on Politics, insecurity, Literature cum Nigeria/African movies albeit Nollywood, and other contemporary issues with the likes of Oko Owi Ocho Afrika (Co-director, Benue Book & Arts Festival), Carl Terver, Evelyn Ben-Ayede, Ternenge Igbundu, Agatha Atagher and Victor. Writers explored these challenges affecting Nigeria and proffered solutions on the way forward.

Day Two (Tuesday 21^st June 2022) opened with a virtual panel on “Arts and the Convergence of Editing and Publishing.” Panelists included Azafi Omoluabi, Paressia; Bibi Ukonu, Griots Lounge, Canada; Nana Awere Damoah, Ghana; Tobi Eyinade, Roving Heights, Eghosa Imaseun and Su’Eddie Vershima Agema. The session was moderated by Amarachukwu Chimeka of Purple Shelves. Later in the evening, there was a gathering to discuss and Critique at the Metro Prime Hotel. Continuing the discourse at 8pm, another virtual session was held on Zoom which was the first Keynote titled, “Convergence and Divergence in Hearing with the Eyes and Seeing with the Ears: Narrativity in Film” delivered by Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi who was introduced by the American-based Dr. Tosin Gbogi.

Day Three (Wednesday, 22^nd June 2022) brought more physical interactions and interesting conversations at the Metro Prime Hotel. The topic was centred on contemporary challenges affecting writers and creatives and saw contributions from most people present.

Day Four (Thursday 23^rd June 2022) began with a morning virtual session which was a discourse on “In Search of Sri Lanka’s Disappeared.” This was a conversation with authors Emma Newport, Coordinator, Sussex Writes and Lecturer, School of English, University of Sussex, United Kingdom and Minoli Salgado, Sri Lankan Writer & Academic Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. The evening session was physical and tagged ‘Palm Wine Drinkards Forum.’ The theme was “Deconstructing the Canon of Literature, Language, History and Theories” headlined with two of the keynote speakers Professors Dul Johnson and Egya Sule in free conversation moderated by Oko Owi Ocho Afrika and Su’Eddie Vershima Agema at the Metro Prime Hotel. Before the main event, there was an open mic. It was an intensive and engaging interactive session as conversations and contributions flowed just as much as palm wine. This was followed by the daily critique gatherings after each event.

On the fifth day, Friday, 24^th June 2022, which was an all-day physical event, the morning session began with the National Anthem followed by the Opening Prayer, after which an introduction of guests/dignitaries was done by the moderator, Su’Eddie Vershima Agema who in turn took the Welcome Address while registration of guests was ongoing in the background. Next was the Goodwill Messages by functionaries and the Opening Remarks taken by Mr. Tine Agernor, the Programmes Manager, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation on behalf of Her Excellency, Dr. Eunice Ortom, First Lady of Benue State.

The second keynote, “The Convergence of Things” was delivered by Prof. Dul Johnson, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Bingham University, Karu. A Question and Answer segment followed moderated by Shachia Oryila. The next item was the panel discussion on “Arts and the Convergence: Past, Present & Future.” With Bentex Torlafia, National Legal Adviser Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA); Dr. Chika Okparigbo, Chair ANA, Nasarawa State Chapter and Shachia Oryila.

Somewhere along the line, some literary insertions in German literature focused on Bernhard Schlink, Bertolt Bretcht, Thomas Mann, Günter Grass, Franz Kafka, and Herta Müller. Festival Director, Su’eddie Agema explained that the feature was to help the audience understand German literature and culture more. He noted that the Goethe Institut in Lagos, whose duty is helping spread German culture while promoting its knowledge, is one of the key partners for the festival. He also encouraged participants to read more on German literature and culture to ensure they have a more nuanced view of the country’s rich heritage beyond the single narrative most people are used to. In conclusion, he said there would be more of this festival feature in improvised ways such as movie viewings and book clubs focused on German literature, art and culture, and other nations in the future.

This was followed by a break, to be reconvened in an hour, thirty minutes.

At the start of the afternoon session, there was an Open Mic for participants to sing, rap, perform or share stories and many people took advantage of it to not only perform but to socialize, interact and briefly discuss as well as visit the book stands.

Still on Friday 24^th June, 2022, the highlight of the evening session was the unveiling of Oko Owi Ocho Afrika’s We Will Sing Water, his debut poetry collection which has been described as “well–wrought tropes matter, and benchmark manner- that is the definition of We Will Sing Water,” by Moses Tsenongu PhD, Professor of English and African Literature and the Head of Department, English at the Benue State University, Makurdi. The highly engaging and interactive book launch drew a mix of professionals, arts and literary lovers from different parts of Nigeria who came to honour Oko Owi Ocho Afrika who is the Creative Director Benue Poetry Troupe, Founder Afrika-Writes, and Co-director Benue Book & Arts Festival. The event was anchored by Mr. Victor Owiocho Adaji.

Notable dignitaries who graced the epoch-making event included; the Director General, Radio Benue and former Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Benue State Chapter, Dr. Charles Iornumbe, Professor Dul Johnson DVC, Bingham University, Karu and multiple award-winning author, filmmaker, and writer; Professor Egya Sule of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai and multiple award-winning author, critic, and writer; Mr. Igba Ogbole former Director News and Current Affairs, Radio Benue; Mr. Maik Ortserga National General Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA); Dr. Maria Ajima Trustee ANA and lecturer with the Department of English, Benue State University, Makurdi; Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo the Creative Director, Arojah Royal Theatre; Bash Amuneni multiple award winning performance poet; not to forget Mr. Tine Agernor, the Programmes Manager, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation; Bentex Torlafia, ANA National Legal Adviser; Sam Ogabidu former Chairman, ANA Benue State Chapter; Umar Yogiza the Publicity Secretary, ANA North; Ms. Stephanie Abughdyer, Secretary, ANA Benue State Chapter; Bizuum Yadok from the Plateau Writers Society (PLAWS); Literary editor, Critic and Essayist Carl Terver; Dr. Chika Okparigbo Chair ANA, Nasarawa State Chapter  and the incredible S.Su’Eddie Vershima Agema the Executive Director Sevhage Publishers and Co-director Benue Book & Arts Festival.

Another group of personalities who witnessed the unveiling included members of the Benue Poetry Troupe made up of Biachi Ndidi Anointing, Mfangu Baaki, Vanessa Idoko, Christiana Inedu, Oche Daniels, Bobby, Joshua ‘Hashim’ Ngusha, Areh Oluwaseyi Elizabeth amongst others who were on hand to support their director. Plus, Bridget Achie Aver; Haneefah Abdulrahman, Chairperson Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation, Kaduna; Amedu Michael Obiabo; Sanchitagi Ndakitabu Qasim; Ephraim Chigba; Debbie Iorliam, and the bard of Mbadede Aondosoo Labe.

Also present were performance poets Younglan Talyoung; Hafsat K. Abdullahi; Sanusi Anselm of the Abuja Literary Society; Raybeckah Onyoche Abah; Miracle Attah; Agatha Atagher; Evelyn Ben-Ayede and a host of others who trooped in to witness the spectacular occasion. It was Love, Light and Laughter as Oko Owi Ocho Afrika signed copies of his We Will Sing Water to those present.

A light discourse “A Melancholia of Why Women won’t make it to heaven across the gulf: In Conversation with Dul Johnson on all his works came into focus next after which the first Festival Play, an adaptation of Dul Johnson’s Melancholia was performed by the Benue Poetry Troupe and Sevhage Literary and Development Initiative. The play was directed by Su’Eddie Vershima Agema and co-directed by Oko Owi Ocho.

As early as 9am on Day Six, the morning session on Saturday began with the BBAAF’22 Secondary Schools’ Contest in Drama, Poetry and Prose Fiction. Seven schools ticked the attendance as being present while six presented themselves to partake in the activities as one school had come to watch and learn. The schools that partook in the Drama Competition which was themed on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) included; Templegate Academy, Government Secondary School, North Bank, Government Girls’ College, Makurdi, Baptist High School, Peniel College, and Brain Storm International. Victory Academy, Daudu meanwhile sat it out to watch.

At the end of the presentations and following the judges’ ruling, Government Girls’ College, Makurdi came first, seconded by Government Secondary School, North Bank followed by Templegate Academy which came third. Prizes were awarded for the Best Actor Male which went to three male students the judges adjudged to have done a fantastic job – Ukim Patrick from Government Secondary School, North Bank, Modom Jeff Kator from Baptist High School and…. from Templegate Academy. In the Best Actor Female category, Adejo Esther from Government Girls’ College, Makurdi; Azenda Dooyum Doris also from Government Girls’ College, Makurdi and Abdulkarim Halima won the award. A special award for the Best Stage Manager was presented to Giddi Vivian Hembafan of Government Secondary School, North Bank. With a poem themed on Compassion, …. won the Best Poem Award while winners in the short story category were yet to be announced. The students were presented with their prizes which included books to individual students as well as their school libraries. Each school was also paid the sum of five thousand naira for transport and logistics.

On hand to perform after the DramaFest was the Rubber Dance Crew from Peniel College who thrilled the audience with traditional Tiv dance steps. That prompted more students to try their hands at the Mic as they sang, rapped and did some special performances that entertained all present.

Running concurrently at the other end of the venue was an adult interactive session moderated by Carl Terver on “Editing, the Misunderstood Midwife: The Money Side and Quality Edge; discussants were Mike Ekunno; and Maik Ortserga, followed by another talk on “Writers Now and Moving on: Social Media and its implications.” Panelists included; Haneefah Abdulrahman, Chairperson, Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation, Kaduna; Bizuum Yadok, Chairman, Plateau Writers Society (PLAWS); and Umar Yogiza, National Publicity Secretary North, ANA. This session too was moderated by Carl Terver.

Reconvening after the interlude, and introduced by Su’Eddie Vershima Agema, Professor Egya Sule was on hand to present another keynote on “Literature, Activism and the Contemporary Quest for a Leadership Revolution in Nigeria.” Lots of talking points emerged from this interactive session as participants bared their minds on what they felt was the bane of Nigerian politics and the way forward.

This was immediately followed by another discourse on “Arts and the Convergence of Politics.” With Sam Ogabidu, former Chairman, ANA Benue State Chapter, Bentex Torlafia, Shachia Oryila and others.

A break followed.

At the resumption of the evening session, a discourse on “Art and the Convergence of Playwrighting and Drama for Change.” Featured Jerry Adesewo, Stephanie Abughdyer, and Stephanie Avese Jirkyaa. With that done, Jerry Adesewo introduced his Drama Troupe, Arojah Royal Theatre for the second Festival Play waiting for her which was performed by the Arojah Royal Theatre as a drama for social change waging war against government unaccountability, lack of transparency etc.

Mfangu Baaki of Mfangu Creatives Ltd exhibited his artworks displaying rich paintings, and drawings. Some of the names of pieces exhibited include; Displaced, Mother Africa, a self-portrait among others. This medium was curated by Oko Owi Ocho Afrika.

Shortly after that, an interactive session with Bash Amuneni on “For Stage and Country: a performance session with Bash!” took centre stage culminating in a grand performance by the renowned poet.

At this point, the festival directors, Su’eddie Vershima Agema and Oko Owi Ocho called the dignitaries present to support them as he made a special announcement. They announced the institution of the EGYA SULE PRIZE FOR CRITICAL WRITING in Africa in honour of the erudite scholar, Professor Egya Sule. The recipient of the honour, who was present, praised the organisers for the honour and said he hoped it would inspire more scholarship on the continent.

Still in the evening session on Saturday, 25^th June, 2022 the BBAAF’22 Poetry Slam took place. It was contested by seven (7) performance poets namely; Nasirudeen Mohammed; Michael E. Jigs; Hafsat K. Abdullahi, Elizabeth KJ Umoru (KJ); Rebecca Ogabor; Ternenge Igbudu, and Younglan Talyoung with two minutes of performance time allotted in the first round after which five (5) contestants proceeded to the second round in persons of Hafsat, Younglan, Nasirudeen, Jigs; and Kedenojo doing battle for three minutes each.

At the end of the second round, Hafsat, Younglan, and Kedenojo moved to the finals which had four minutes of time allotted per performance at the end of which Kedenojo came third, Younglan second; and Hafsat first taking home the title of the BBAAF’22 Poetry Slam Champion and the sum of a hundred and ten thousand in a winner takes all contest though the organizers were magnanimous to gift consolatory prizes to the runners up. Against the publicized prize money of a Hundred Thousand, Hafsat went home with One Hundred and Ten Thousand naira only as a result of the generous donation of a donor who added the sum of Ten Thousand naira only to the Prize money.

The judges for this year’s BBAAF’22 Poetry Slam contest were: Bash Amuneni, multiple award-winning performance poet and writer (Chief Judge); Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo writer, dramatist and Creative Director, Arojah Royal Theatre (second judge) and MS. Stephanie Abughdyer writer, dramatist and Secretary, ANA Benue State Chapter (third judge). The Slam Master was Sanusi Anselm with Agatha Atagher as the time/records keeper.

On Sunday, 26^th June, 2022 before the departure of guests to their various destinations in the afternoon, there was a morning discourse on Critical Writing and Critiquing. All agreed that there was a need to have as many critics of the day as much as writers were springing up every day. This would in a big way improve the quality of writing being put out there. Su’eddie Vershima Agema promised to liaise with ANA and other relevant stakeholders for the continuation of the Sevhage Critical Discourse Series.

Luper Wrightphotography was on hand to capture the interesting, memorable, and delectable moments throughout the festival.

It was indeed an auspicious and memorable occasion that all present savoured.

The next Benue Book and Art Festival main event takes place in July in Makurdi and is themed A CHANGING CLIMATE. Watch out!

Prepared by Agatha S. Atagher