By Success Ude
The Benin Writers Society has hosted an evening of spoken word, dialogue and community engagement tagged “Love and Letters” at City Café in Benin City.
The event, held in collaboration with City Café, brought together writers, poets, legal practitioners and literature enthusiasts to examine the evolving dynamics of love and relationships in contemporary society.
Speaking at the gathering, the President of the Society, Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., described the programme as part of ongoing efforts to promote literary expression while strengthening bonds between writers and the wider community.
The Vice President for Events and External Affairs, Princess Diana Eweka, alongside the Provost, Ambassador Nosa Onaghise, coordinated the event, which attracted participants from different professional backgrounds.
In his opening remarks, Onaghise urged participants to approach discussions with openness and intellectual curiosity. The Chief Executive Officer of City Café, Mr. Longe Ojo, welcomed guests and formally declared the event open.
Moderated by Ude Success, the session featured interactive discussions and activities designed to stimulate reflection on relationships in the 21st century. Participants examined themes such as commitment, teamwork, compromise and emotional awareness, agreeing that love should be viewed not merely as emotion but as a conscious and sustained commitment.
A panel-style conversation also explored concepts such as understanding partners’ emotional needs and maintaining balance between individuality and shared responsibility in relationships.
The literary segment of the evening featured spoken-word performances by local poets, including Mary Rose, Beloved, Angel and Princess Diana Eweka. Their recitations drew applause from attendees and added an artistic dimension to the discourse.
Adding a professional perspective, Barrister Gabriel Ehigiator led a delegation of lawyers who contributed legal insights to discussions on relationships and societal expectations.
Organisers said the programme reflects the Society’s broader mission to create platforms where literature intersects with real-life experiences and public dialogue.
Participants noted that beyond poetry and conversation, the event fostered networking and strengthened ties between writers and members of the community.
The Benin Writers Society has pledged to continue hosting similar engagements aimed at promoting creativity, critical thinking and cultural development in Benin City and beyond.
