Theme: Capturing Times with Words
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Venue: St. Lawrence School, Ajasa Command, Lagos
Host: Halimah Abdulazeez
Co-Host: David Ararigho
Organizer: Cross Country Poetry Initiative (C.C.P.I)
This year’s Edition of the Cross Country Poetry Celebration (C.C.P.C) was successfully held at St. Lawrence School, Ajasa Command. The edition marked the 2 years of consistent promotion of poetry, spoken word, and literary arts in the Ajasa Command community. As the theme suggests, the focus was on using poetry to document our reality.
The event commenced at 2:00 PM with an opening prayer and the National Anthem, followed by a welcome address by the Host, Halimah Abdulazeez. The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, renowned author and literary icon. She spoke extensively on the theme, emphasizing the role of writers and poets as record keepers of society and urging young poets to document their own times authentically.
The event was embellished by the presence of Mr Adeyemi Adebiyi former Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Lagos and the founder of Guild of Public Affairs Analyst of Nigeria (GPAAN). Mr Ayo Baje. Mr Baje told the students not to shy away from their talents,take mentorship seriously, and be courageous to document their experiences.
The celebration featured various segments:
– Poetry Reading
– Spoken Word Performance
. Poetry
– Music Interlude
– Guest Poet Performance by Mr. Yemi Adebiyi ably represented by Mrs Obasi Mabel.
The profile of SirEriata Oribhabor was read by Halimah Abdulazeez. His support for youth and the birth of what Poets in Nigeria that later metamorphosed into Cross Country Poetry Celebration was duly acknowledged. The team that delivers this year’s CCPI, the president, Mr Mohammed Idris Evuti and the secretary, Mr Othman.
The cohost David ARARIGHO thrilled the audience with the miming and dancing segments of the event.
Our gratitude to everyone who gave us the opportunity to serve our community.
Mrs. Adeosun, Proprietress of St. Lawrence School For graciously providing the venue and for her unwavering hospitality and support in ensuring the success of this Edition.
Our gratitude to our sponsors,
PEN Nigeria Young Writers Committee, President of LITACO Dr Awele Ilusanmi, Mr Adeyemi Adebiyi, Hajia Lawal Mudirat, Mr Davy Fidel, the founder of FST Stitches, who offered her time and resources to cover the entire event with her state of art equipment, the judges
and the management of St. Lawrence School, all performing poets, volunteers, teachers and students.
It was a resounding success. It achieved its objective of promoting literary arts and giving young voices a platform. The event concluded with awards of books to the invited schools, donated by Mr Adeyemi Adebiyi and Halima Abdulazeez.
A Vote of Thanks by the Mr David ARARIGHO followed by group photographs.
