Poets and literary enthusiasts in Benin City, Edo State, gathered at City Café in GRA to commemorated World Poetry Day, with a strong focus on addressing irregular migration through creative expression.
The event, organised by the Benin Writers Society, brought together stakeholders in the literary and creative sectors to explore how poetry can be used as a tool for advocacy and social change.
In his opening remarks, the president of the society, Douglas Ogbankwa, traced the origin of the association and emphasised the importance of World Poetry Day as a platform for driving conversations around societal issues.
He noted that poetry remains a powerful medium for shaping narratives and influencing public perception on critical matters such as migration.
A key highlight of the event was a thematic discussion titled: “Muses Against Irregular Migration,” where speakers examined the dangers associated with unsafe migration routes and the need for increased awareness.
Contributors, including migration experts and educationists, stressed that beyond policy interventions, storytelling and poetry could help humanise the experiences of migrants and discourage risky journeys.
The panel further noted that poetry has the capacity to evoke empathy, challenge misinformation, and inspire action, particularly among young people who are often the most affected by migration pressures.
