By Japhet Davidson

At a recent literary gathering held at the newly opened Roving Heights Bookstore in Bodija, Ibadan, poet and marketing leader Jọba Ọ̀jẹ̀labí delivered a captivating performance that deeply engaged the audience.

Organised by Noirledge Publishing as part of the build-up to the Ibadan Book and Arts Festival, the event was designed to promote literary engagement and strengthen Nigeria’s reading culture.

Ọ̀jẹ̀labí opened the evening with his poem “Ibadan” a reflective tribute to the city’s rich cultural and literary heritage.

Drawing from his collection The Ones Before You, his readings explored themes of place, identity, grief and body image.

During a moderated discussion led by literary critic Micheal Olatunbosun, Ọ̀jẹ̀labí explained that his work does not seek to offer judgments but invites readers to embrace complex emotions and layered perspectives. His performance and responses highlighted his commitment to using poetry as a means to connect personal experiences with broader social questions.

Alongside his literary work, Ọ̀jẹ̀labí also serves on the executive team at Agbowó, a pan-African literary and arts collective, where he contributes to fostering creative expression and supporting emerging voices across the continent.

The event also featured author Olabisi Ajakaiye, who read from h futuristic legal thriller If My Country Had a Jury, as well as poet Fatihah Quadri Eniola, whose spoken word performance addressed gender-based violence and societal expectations of women.

Among the notable guests was Olubunmi Familoni, winner of the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature for his work The Road Does Not End.

Familoni’s presence added prestige to the gathering, and he contributed to discussions on the importance of making books more accessible and nurturing a stronger reading culture, particularly among young Nigerians.

Following the readings, Ọ̀jẹ̀labí held a book signing session where he engaged directly with attendees, sharing insights into his creative process and encouraging open dialogue between writers and readers.

Audience members praised his ability to blend personal reflection with social commentary, describing his work as both intimate and universal.

The literary gathering underscored the need to make books more affordable and to support local authors as vital steps toward revitalising Nigeria’s reading culture. Many participants expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue to inspire critical conversations and foster a deeper appreciation for literature across the country.