The Benin Writers Society (BWS) has commended the management of City Cafe Hub, Benin City, for providing a conducive environment for literary and artistic engagement, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of democratic values.
The commendation came during the Society’s monthly Poetry Playground held on Thursday to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The event, attended by 28 members, revolved around the theme, “This Country Called Nigeria,” reflecting on the nation’s democratic journey and the role of citizens in shaping its future.
The session began with prayers led by the Society’s Legal Adviser, Barrister Osula, who sought divine guidance for Nigeria and members of the creative community. Participants later rendered the Nigerian National Anthem, led by Precious King, and observed a moment of reflection in honour of the ideals represented by the June 12 struggle and the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Speaking during the event, President of the Benin Writers Society, Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., praised the Chief Executive Officer of City Cafe Hub, Akin Ojo-Longe, for consistently supporting writers and creatives.
«”By opening your facility for literary and artistic activities without barriers, you have democratised the milieu of creativity. You have created room for writers and readers to thrive, debate and dream. That is democracy in practice,” Ogbankwa said.»
Responding, Ojo-Longe reaffirmed the hub’s commitment to nurturing creativity and civic engagement among young people.
«”City Cafe Hub will continue to serve as a safe house for ideas where young voices can refine their craft and engage civic issues through art,” he stated.»
The meeting also featured an interactive networking session during which members introduced themselves, highlighting their various interests in poetry, prose fiction, playwriting, spoken word, literary criticism and journalism.
Participants exchanged contacts, discussed anthology projects and formed critique circles aimed at strengthening peer review and collaboration within Edo State’s literary community.
Anchored by compere Ambassador Nosa Onaghise, the programme blended humour with serious reflection as performances interrogated Nigeria’s democratic experience, tracing the trajectory from the optimism of 1993 to contemporary concerns over governance and citizen participation.
Poetry readings explored themes of electoral accountability, national healing and active citizenship.
One of the lines that resonated strongly with the audience declared:
«”We are not just voters every four years; we are the conscience between elections.”»
Spoken word performances challenged what participants described as “democracy without dividends,” while urging young Nigerians to embrace patriotism and civic responsibility.
An open-mic civic discourse segment further examined the role of writers in defending democratic institutions, promoting press freedom and safeguarding electoral integrity.
The Society noted that the Poetry Playground remains one of its flagship initiatives, providing a platform for literary expression, intellectual engagement and creative networking for writers within Edo State and across the Niger Delta.
It reiterated its commitment to deploying literature as a tool for democratic education, accountability and national healing.
As Nigeria marked another Democracy Day, members of the Benin Writers Society reminded citizens that the significance of June 12 lies not only in remembering past sacrifices, but also in sustaining a collective commitment to building a more just, inclusive and democratic nation.
