Benue Book and Arts Festival explores art and convergence

The 2022 edition of the Benue Book and Arts Festival, with Su’ur Su’eddie Vershima Agema and Oko Owi Ocho as directors, is set to run in its traditional home of Makurdi from Monday, June 20 to Saturday, June 25.

According to the organisers, this year’s theme “Art and The Convergence” is open-ended but can also be seen as how art converges with other things for results: whether it be history, activism, development, anarchy, or just about anything.

“It can also be looked at in the light of art surrounded by the convergence of people, things, or a state in any context. Some of the panels will address publishing and editing, the metaverse, and the role of arts in various spheres,” they said in a statement.

The hybrid events feature panels, readings, workshops, a poetry slam competition, and a competition for secondary schools that will feature drama, on-the-spot writing, and a spelling bee.

There will be three keynote addresses from Prof Hyginus Ekwuazi, Prof Dul Johnson and Prof Egya Sule on a variety of topics. Other confirmed guests are Prof Idris Amali, Dr Maria Ajima, Dr Soji Cole, Bash Amuneni, Umar Sidi, Jerry Adesewo, Benjamin Bentex Torlafia, Umar Yogiza, Amara Chimeka, Azafi Omoluabi, Iquo Diana Abasi, Raymond Anyasi, Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, Nana Awere Damoah, Bizuum Yadok, Romeo Oriogun, Aondosoo Labe, and Dr Peace Sorochi Longdet, Minoli Salgado, Emma Newport among others.

The first edition of the Benue Book and Arts Festival was hosted in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, Nigeria, in 2019.