PIN declares October ‘Month of Freedom and Creativity’

In recognition of the pivotal role poetry plays in regenerating society and the undeniable impact of literary creativity, Poets in Nigeria (PIN) has declared October ‘Month of Freedom and Creativity.’ Coincidentally, October, earmarked for the celebration of Nigeria’s independence, is also Poets in Nigeria’s second year anniversary, as an entity devoted to the promotion of poetry among youths in the country.

In vein, organisers have said, poetry, which is an inexhaustible tool for creating socio-cultural consciousness and upholding human rights and freedom, would be given special attention nationwide all through October with special poetry readings to be organised across all PIN Connect Centres in the country.

According to President, Poetry in Nigeria, Eriata Oribhabor stated, “We also consider it appropriate to celebrate the 200 top entrants of both 2016 and 2017 editions of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP) in this symbolic month.  This serves as a perfect makeup for exceptional entrants, who missed the awards ceremony at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and were, as a result, unable to get their award certificates.”

While acquainting stakeholders in Lagos with the new development, Oribhabor noted, “Literary creativity is a potent tool for the realisation of both individual and collective freedom. And, undeniably, poetry has always been central to the pursuit of human rights, dignity and freedom – a feat PIN intends to project all through October.”

Poetry in Nigeria has the following as its main focus: projection of poetry and other writings as tools for creating socio-cultural consciousness and upholding human rights and freedom, celebration of top entrants of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize 2016 & 2017, and celebration of notable poets within PIN Connect Centres.

Members are advised to visit www.peotsinnigeria.org.ng or Connect Centres nearest to them to be part of the month-long celebration. PIN’s locations include Abakaliki, Akwanga, Badagry, Calabar, University of Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Makurdi. Others are Obalende, Ojo, Igando, Epe, and Yaba, all in Lagos.