By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AHEAD of the book launch titled Magnus Oku Books and Arts Fiesta 2025, the author and convener, Magnus Oku, weekend, explained that the launch and fiesta is to galvanize Africa’s creative spirit.

Oku speaking on the essence of the event, said the books are to restore the lost reading culture of young people, and the art fiesta is to bring back the lost cultural heritage.

According to him, the event will commence September 25th, 2025, at the Cyprian Ekwensi Arts and Crafts Centre, Abuja, and dignitaries expected include; the Minister of Youth Development; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs;
Minister of Labour and Employment; and the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy.

He also said at the heart of the Fiesta is a commitment to giving expression to Africa’s many voices; old and new, urban and traditional, fierce and tender, and the event will unfold across stages, galleries, reading corners, and open spaces, transforming the entire venue into a vibrant tapestry of performances and ideas.

He said the highlights include:
Live author readings and book signings with celebrated and emerging writers; Stage plays, poetry slams, and spoken word showcases that stir the soul; Art exhibitions, interactive installations, and live painting sessions.

Cultural parades and traditional storytelling from various regions of Nigeria and beyond; Children’s reading corners, art classes, and creative writing workshops; Youth-focused discussions on innovation, literature, and the digital arts.

Recognition awards for outstanding contributions to literature and the arts; From children listening wide-eyed to storytellers, to young authors reading their debut works, the Fiesta is designed as an inclusive, immersive experience for all ages.

He said: “In today’s world, where distractions compete for attention and cultural erosion threatens authenticity, the Magnus Oku Books and Arts Fiesta arrives as a much-needed homecoming for Africa’s creative spirit.

“This year’s theme resounds with urgency: ‘celebrate, educate, empower’. The Fiesta reminds us that: Books are bridges, connecting generations, regions, and ideals.

“Art is a mirror, reflecting the beauty, complexity, and resilience of a people.

“Performance is protest, storytelling is healing, and creativity is the heartbeat of transformation.

“Books are not just ink on paper — they are vessels of legacy. Art is not mere decoration — it is truth rendered visible.

“Whether you are a writer finding your first readers, a teacher shaping minds, a student discovering your gift, or simply a lover of culture — this Fiesta welcomes you.

“More than just an event, this grand convergence is a rallying cry for storytellers, visionaries, and culture-bearers to gather under one sky and rekindle the fires of imagination. Scheduled for Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at the Cyprian Ekwensi Arts and Crafts Centre, Abuja, this year’s Fiesta is poised to be the most iconic edition yet.

“Elevating the significance of the 2025 edition is the enthusiastic participation of national leaders, recognizing the power of arts and culture in shaping society and empowering youth.

“We are not just curating a festival, we are igniting a movement. This is a celebration of the spirit of Africa, through books, drama, performance, and art. This is a celebration of us.

“From libraries to living rooms, from classrooms to council chambers, the Magnus Oku Books and Arts Fiesta 2025 invites Nigeria and the continent to gather, to share, and to shine.”