Providus Bank World Poetry Day Event in Lagos showcases global poets, culture leaders, and Wole Soyinka in a powerful literary celebration
Providus Bank Limited reaffirmed its commitment to arts and culture on Thursday, 20 March, as it hosted the seventh edition of its World Poetry Day celebration at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture in Lagos.
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The Providus Bank World Poetry Day Event brought together renowned poets, cultural stakeholders, and literary enthusiasts under the theme “Poetry as Influence,” highlighting the enduring role of poetry in shaping society and public consciousness.
The event was curated by Culture Advocates Caucus and directed by journalist Jahman Anikulapo, drawing a diverse audience of writers and creatives from across Nigeria and beyond.
Walter Akpani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Providus Bank, said poetry remains a powerful force for empathy, identity, and cultural expression in a rapidly changing world.
“Poetry is not just an art form, but a vital force that sharpens perception, deepens empathy, and challenges us to see the world with greater clarity,” Walter Akpani said.
Walter Akpani further described the Providus Bank World Poetry Day Event as part of the bank’s broader mission to support creativity beyond traditional financial services.
“At Providus Bank, we believe that progress is not defined by numbers alone. It is also measured by the ideas we nurture, the cultures we support, and the platforms we build for meaningful expression,” Walter Akpani said.
The Managing Director noted that the initiative has evolved into a cultural bridge connecting Nigerian poets with international voices, strengthening the country’s presence in global literary discourse.
The event featured 11 poets from Nigeria and around the world, including Yolanda Castaño, Maryam Palizban, Dike Chukwumerije, Hafsat Abdullahi, Mohsen Emadi, and Valter Hugo Mãe, alongside other notable literary figures who delivered performances that captivated the audience.
A surprise appearance by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka added a powerful highlight to the evening, drawing admiration and excitement from attendees.
Wole Soyinka, speaking with his characteristic wit, joked about the venue naming before proceeding to deliver a poetry reading that held the audience in rapt attention.
The 91 year old’s performance was met with prolonged applause, marking one of the most memorable moments of the event and reinforcing the cultural significance of the gathering.
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The 2026 edition of the Providus Bank World Poetry Day Event further cemented the institution’s growing reputation as a key supporter of Nigeria’s creative and literary ecosystem.
