BY: AISHA YUSUF SABO.
In a world shaped by stories, the significance of literary festivals cannot be overemphasized. Recently, the Borno Books and Arts Festival (BobaFest) graced us with its continued presence. The second edition, held at Armani Event World, Maiduguri, from December 20th to 22nd, 2024, presented the theme "Reimagining Tomorrow." The theme focused on "building resilience, enhancing access to quality education and protection for children, healing, cultural revitalization, and shaping a brighter future for Borno State."
As is the norm, literary festivals serve as platforms for writers, readers, and creatives to converge and celebrate the richness of literature, arts, and culture.
At BobaFest, people from Borno and beyond, including writers, artists, poets, readers, intellectuals, and other creatives, gathered for the festival. It was not only a celebration of literature but also a symbol of resilience and hope for a region striving to rebuild.
A great deal of time was allocated to enlightening panel discussions, featuring impactful conversations that delved into a wide range of topics from Education, Borno over the years and now, Climate Action, Tsangaya System, Monetizing of Creative Skills, Mental Health to Artificial Intelligence. Each session was interesting in its own way, with some getting heated.
The festival also offered other engaging activities, including book launch , art exhibitions, and poetry slams.
Another interesting aspect was the book drive, a way of improving access to books, promoting literacy and encouraging book exchange among participants which I see as a meaningful way to combine the celebration of literature with social responsibility.
Over the past decade, similar festivals have sprung up across the country, showcasing local arts, reviving writing communities, and promoting literature and creativity. The long existing festivals like the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) and the Aké Festival continue to thrive together with the others including Sokoto Book and Arts Festival, the Benin Art and Book Festival, the Abuja Literary & Arts Festival, and the Kwara Books and Arts Festival.
Additionally, other festivals like The Crater Literary Festival which spotlights the dynamic cultural landscape of South-East Nigeria, and the Hausa International Book and Arts Festival serves as a cultural feast celebrating African languages. All these festivals have become vibrant hubs for writers, artists, intellectuals, and readers, offering spaces to celebrate creativity, share ideas, and envision a brighter future.
All in all, BobaFest to me was a well of knowledge and inspiration, a space to connect and rekindle my love for storytelling. Now, the bookworm in me wishes to attend all the book and art festivals in the world.
As for BobaFest, I can’t help but look forward to its growth in the coming years. And hopefully, published authors from different parts of Nigeria will be in attendance during the next edition.