Nigerian writers across the United Kingdom (UK), converged in Nottingham on Saturday 25th January, 2025, for the first Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF) event in the United Kingdom. The event was held at the Nottingham Central Library from 10am to 3.30pm.
BBAAF celebrates the rich culture of global diaspora in Europe and Nigeria’s Middle Belt and promotes local creativity and social impact across continents in a continuous cultural dialogue. BBAAF is organized by SEVHAGE Arts + Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative. It aims to bring together art, literature, and social impact through engaging activities and would be holding quarterly events in Nottingham, England, and a week-long hybrid summit in Makurdi, Nigeria.
The maiden event in the UK was held in partnership with the Nottingham City Libraries, Nottingham City of Literature, Goethe Institut, Journal of African Literature, and many more.
Performances from the attending writers included readings from their works, a spoken poetry performance and a panel discussion on the role of writers in shaping nation development in Nigeria.
As an arts event of Tiv origin, the Mzough U Tiv United Kingdom (MUTUK), the Tiv community organization in the UK was represented by MUTUK’s Assistant General Secretary, Dr Kurannen Baaki. On behalf of MUTUK President and the entire MUTUK, Dr Baaki shared a goodwill message, praising the BBAAF initiative. He said this was an event that “MUTUK was happy to support as it aligned with the objectives of the Tiv community.”
Dr Kurannen Baaki, who himself is a writer and read from one of the short stories Cemetery Road, on behalf of MUTUK, charged the organizers to reach out to MUTUK way ahead of time in planning for the next BBAAF event in the UK.
Speaking of the event, Sevhage founder and organizer of the BBAAF event Mr. Su’eddie Agema said the event was an opportunity for Nigerian writers in the United Kingdom and those who love books to come together, perform, network and create a literary community.
“We want to use this opportunity to create a community. One thing we have had issues with here in the UK is when we come here, we do other things and forget we have a creative part. It’s good to have that platform where we can meet on a quarterly basis to chart the way forward as creatives and look for avenues to show our spirit. That is what this platform is about. It’s about community. It’s about family. It’s about being able to share your work to a larger community. If you write and you are not able to share your work, that kills the spirit,” Mr. Su’eddie told the gathering.
