Literary community unfolds programmes for Pius Adesanmi as PEN Nigeria dedicates festival to him

Amid tributes that continue to pour in for firebrand scholar, writer and critic, Pius Adesanmi, the PEN International, Nigerian Centre has dedicated a special Poetry Festival to his memory.
Stakeholders are also organising farewell programmes for him today (Wednesday) in Ibadan and Abuja, while another one tagged ‘An Evening of Reminiscences’ will hold at the Quida House, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos, tomorrow, Thursday.
Adesanmi, author of ‘Naija No Dey Carry Las’t (2015), a volume of satirical essays, died in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash on Sunday few minutes after take-off in Addis Ababa.
Speaking on the poetry festival holding at the Michael Otedola Colege of Education, Epe, Lagos, President of PEN Nigeria Folu Agoi, said the programme with the theme, “What Poetry Is, What Poetry Is Not”, was part of its activities marking this year’s World Poetry Day on Thursday, March 21.
He said, “It will be another golden opportunity for members of the creative community to showcase their creativity and their products, including publications. Authors who wish to donate books and other publications or materials for distribution to participants, particularly students, at the event are enjoined contact the President or any other member of the Executive Council.”
The festival has as guest poet, Reginald Chiedu (RC) Ofodile, who is lawyer, actor, compere, and internationally acclaimed novelist, playwright, poet, and essayist.