It was William Wordsworth that defined poetry as “A Torrential overflow of powerful feelings recollected in tranquillity “
Poetry is not just words brought to motion, but letters brought to life .Benin City and by extension Edo State is renowned as the cradle of black civilisation. Known for its rich cultural heritage,Benin City has transmogrified into a huge consmopolitan haven, that bears global significance in the cultural stage .
It is with keeping with its pivotal cultural leverage , that Naija Poetry Fest and Benin Writers Society jointly organise a Poetry and Spoken Word Extravaganza aptly dubbed “Battle of Stanzas” at the Edo Creative Hub , at Airport Road ; Benin City on the 30th of August, 2025.
It will be a conclave of creative minds , a melting pot of eclectic literary talents, and a bold statement on the need for constant literary engagements in Edo State.
A joint statement issued by the Co-Conveners of the literary project-Godson Osarenren of Naija Poetry Fest and Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., of Benin Writers Society states that the event is the beginning of a deliberate effort to spur a resurgence of constant literary engagements in Edo State.The project also strives to bridge the literary divide between the Town and the Gown, by engaging the Academic Communities around .
The project will also feature Benin City ‘s first feature anthology tagged “Stanzas from the Bronze Capital.”It is meant to be a collection of poems that depict motifs of diverse themes about one City , that has been prominent in historical perspectives for centuries.
CALL FOR POEMS
Stanzas from the Bronze Capital
Deadline: August 5th, 2025
Naija Poetry Fest in collaboration with the Benin Writers Society invites poets, spoken word artists, and literary voices from Edo State and beyond to submit original poems for inclusion in a forthcoming anthology titled:
> “STANZAS FROM THE BRONZE CAPITAL”
This anthology will serve as a poetic archive of thoughts, reflections, and dreams inspired by Benin City, its culture, its people, and the creative pulse of Edo State—Nigeria’s historic cradle of bronze, brilliance, and bold storytelling.
Theme & Vision
We are seeking poems that reflect:
The history, mythology, and cultural pride of Edo
The voice of the present generation—its struggles, identity, and hopes
Stories of resistance, resilience, and renaissance
Celebrations of art, tradition, language, and ancestry
Urban metaphors, rustic imagery, and futuristic dreams rooted in Benin
Let your pen echo the city’s soul. Let your stanzas shape the narrative.
Submission Guidelines
Submit 1 to 3 original poems (unpublished or previously self-published is acceptable)
Poems must be in English or include English translations if in native language
Format: .doc, .docx, or PDF
Include a brief bio (max 100 words) and your location in the body of the email
Deadline: August 5th, 2025 (Midnight WAT)
Send Submissions To:
📧 naijapoetryfest@gmail.com
📌 Subject Line: Anthology Submission – Stanzas from the Bronze Capital
Important Notes
Selected contributors will be featured in the published anthology
Launch will take place during the Battle of Stanzas event on August 30th, 2025 at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City
Let Your Voice Become Part of History
The world is listening to Benin again—this time, through poetry.
Add your voice to the bronze chorus.
