The Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (ÌbàFest) is set to hold a remarkable literary gathering titled Invocations of the Word: A Day of Poetry and Conversations with Niyi Osundare on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
The event, which will serve as a prelude to the festival’s inaugural edition in October, is scheduled to take place at RovingHeights Bookstore, Prime Mall, Bodija, Ibadan by 2 PM.
Renowned poet, essayist, and public intellectual, Professor Niyi Osundare, will headline the event with live readings from his iconic poetry collections. This will be followed by a conversation session featuring leading journalists and scholars, promising an enriching blend of literary artistry and critical reflection.
Osundare, an Emeritus Distinguished Professor of English at the University of New Orleans, has for decades used poetry as a tool for social justice, democracy, and public enlightenment. Born in Ikere-Ekiti to a humble farming background, his work is steeped in Yoruba oral traditions and humanist values, earning him accolades including the Nigerian National Order of Merit.
The event will expectedly deepen public engagement with literature and celebrate Osundare’s far-reaching influence on Nigeria’s cultural and political discourse. It also marks the beginning of a series of activities leading up to ÌbàFest, a new annual literary and arts festival scheduled for October 24–25, 2025.
Admission is free, but seats are limited. Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance via www.Bit.ly/OSUNDARE
ÌbàFest is an emerging platform dedicated to showcasing African literature, arts, and cultural innovation. Rooted in Ibadan’s rich literary legacy, the festival seeks to transform storytelling into a force for education, community growth, and national development.
For media inquiries or further information:
Email: hello@ibadanfestival.org
Website: www.ibadanfestival.org
Phone: +09096664359, 08098164359
Social Media: @ibadanfestival
