About #ALitFest19
With the success of the debut festival, #AlitFest19 will aim to build on the objectives of the previous festival, and further them. We are taking on an even more ambitious theme – Arts and Social Consciousness – the intent being to examine how Art can change the world and be a socially conscious tool across the different ideological leanings existent globally and more specifically, across the continent and Nigeria in particular.
Venue
Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki
Abuja, Nigeria
Time
Thursday to Saturday (09:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
July 11 to 13, 2019
#ALitFest19 Objectives
The broad objectives of the Festival are:
To contribute to the breeding of young, emerging voices in literature through workshops.
To engender a free and warm space for enthusiasts and creatives from across the continent to spend a few days networking, making connections and generally having healthy fun.
To facilitate conversations on the impact of Art on different social issues, conversations and conventions, and;
To create a shared performance space for display and renditions by performers, writers, art enthusiasts and creatives mainly from Nigeria.
The three-day festival of Literature and Arts will feature workshops for younger writers, panel discussions and thrilling performances of Film, Drama, music and poetry.
#ALitFest19 Audience
The media and promotional campaign is aimed directly at the following demographic and psychographic groups:
Art Enthusiasts, 18-35
The growing number of young adults who frequent the numerous hot spots of art, culture and entertainment. They are upwardly mobile, love a good time and place a premium on creative expression. Based on audience research, they make up 55% of the target audience.
Art Enthusiasts, 35 and above
These are adults with the cultural competence to understand and appreciate book readings, performance poetry, theatre and high-end music. They make up 20% of the target audience.
Expatriate Community
The Abuja creative scene has grown in recent years and has been well appreciated by diplomats and foreign nationals working in and around the development agencies and the embassies and high commissions in the City. They make up 15% of the target audience.
Celebrities
One key feature of Nigeria’s contemporary art scene are celebrities. They are voyeurs of creative expression, love a good time and make up 10% of the target audience.
Some #ALitFest19 Guests
Chika Oduah
Television News Producer, Writer, Photographer
Chika Oduah
Television News Producer, Writer, Photographer
Chika Oduah is a Nigerian-American journalist who works as a television news producer, writer, photographer and correspondent. Known for her unique human-focused ethnographic reporting style with an anthropological approach, she was awarded a CNN Multichoice African Journalist Award in 2016. Upon the abduction of 276 schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram in Chibok, North-eastern Nigeria, she was among the first international journalists to visit the town. Her thorough and exclusive coverage of the event won her the Trust Women “Journalist of The Year Award” from the Thomson Reuters Foundation in 2014.
Olusegun Adeniyi
Chair Of The Editorial Board, This Day Newspapers.
Olusegun Adeniyi
Chair Of The Editorial Board, This Day Newspapers.
Olusegun Adeniyi is a journalist, current chair of the editorial board of This Day newspapers and a former presidential spokesman for the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He is the author of the numerous books, some of which include: The Last 100 Days of Abacha, Power, Politics and Death: A front-row account of Nigeria under the late President Yar’Adua, Against the Run of Play: How an Incumbent President was Defeated in Nigeria, From Frying Pan to Fire.
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
Creative Writer and Journalist
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
Creative Writer and Journalist
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is an award winning creative writer and journalist. His novel Season of Crimson Blossoms received the NLNG Prize for Literature in 2016. His debut short-story collection The Whispering Trees was longlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature in 2014, with the title story shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing. He has won several awards for his work in journalism, the most recent being the Michael Elliot Award for Excellence in African Storytelling, awarded by the International Centre for Journalists, for his report “All That Was Familiar”.
Tolu Daniel
Writer and Editor
Tolu Daniel
Writer and Editor
Tolu Daniel is a writer and editor. His essays and short stories have appeared on Catapult.co, Barren Magazine, The Nasiona Magazine, The Wagon Magazine, Prachya Review, Elsewhere Literary Journal, Expound Magazine, Bakwa Magazine, Saraba Magazine, Panorama Journal, TSSF Journal, Scarlet Leaf Review, Arts & Africa and a few other places. His essay “My Mother Is A Country” was longlisted for the 2018 Koffi Addo Prize for Creative Nonfiction. His essay “The Man Who Fought Boko Haram” was selected as one of the Notable Creative Non-Fiction pieces of 2018 at the Annual Brittlepaper African Literary Digest. He currently holds editorial positions with Afridiaspora, The Single Story Foundation Journal and Panorama Journal.
Aishat Abiri
Writer and Story Developer
Aishat Abiri
Writer and Story Developer
Aishat Abiri is a writer and story developer with a passion for issues concerning gender, society and mental health. Her short stories have featured in Afreada, Saraba Magazine and the Aké Review. Her screenplays include MTV Shuga, Tinsel and In Love and Ashes; and stage plays for Afi and other volunteer projects. She lives in Abuja and is a Farafina 2016 alumnus.
Ummi Bukar
Founder And Managing Director, PAGED Initiative
Ummi Bukar
Founder And Managing Director, PAGED Initiative
Ummi Bukar is a gender rights activist who specializes in media for development, she strongly believes in providing a platform for direct voices especially for the underrepresented in the society. A member of the Women’s Leadership Institute on Peace and security, she has a background in Mass Communication and a Masters in Development Communication, from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
Ummi is the founder and Managing Director of PAGED Initiative [Participatory Communication for Gender Development] an NGO that specializes in using media for advocacy and providing a platform to the under-represented in the society. Ummi directed PAGED initiative’s participatory research and film project UPROOTED which is currently being screened as an advocacy and education tool in Nigeria. She has worked on several media for development projects and assisted in several films produced by MIND Nigeria. She currently serves on the board of three Nigerian NGO’s.
Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki
Abuja, Nigeria
July 11 - 13, 2019
09:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Networking Sessions
Hurryup! few tickets available
Nigerian Food & Drinks
Don’t miss it
#ALitFest19 Event Schedule
| # | Session | Speakers | Time | Vanue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST |
7:00-9:30 | ||
| 2 |
Writing Workshop 1
Writing Workshop 1In Partnership with the fellows at the International Writers Program at the University of IOWA, and sponsored by the US Mission in Nigeria, the ALitFest19 workshop will be a four-day, intense training which is aimed at producing an anthology on gender and other Nigerian Ideational conflicts… We’re excited, Are you? |
9:30-10:30 | Ventures Park, 29 Mambilla St, Three Arms Zone, Abuja | |
| 3 |
BREAK 1
BREAK 1 |
10:30-10:45 | ||
| 4 |
Writing Workshop 2
Writing Workshop 2In Partnership with the fellows at the International Writers Program at the University of IOWA, and sponsored by the US Mission in Nigeria, the ALitFest19 workshop will be a four-day, intense training which is aimed at producing an anthology on gender and other Nigerian Ideational conflicts… We’re excited, Are you? |
10:30-11:30 | Ventures Park, 29 Mambilla St, Three Arms Zone, Abuja | |
| 5 |
BREAK 3
BREAK 3 |
3:30 - 3:40 | ||
| 6 |
LUNCH
LUNCH |
12:45 - 2:00 | ||
| 7 |
Writing Workshop 4
Writing Workshop 4In Partnership with the fellows at the International Writers Program at the University of IOWA, and sponsored by the US Mission in Nigeria, the ALitFest19 workshop will be a four-day, intense training which is aimed at producing an anthology on gender and other Nigerian Ideational conflicts… We’re excited, Are you? |
2:00 - 3:30 | Ventures Park, 29 Mambilla St, Three Arms Zone, Abuja | |
| 8 |
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony |
3:40 - 4:40 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 9 |
Sexuality, Birth Rates and the 21st Century Woman
Sexuality, Birth Rates and the 21st Century WomanIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
05:00 - 06:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 10 |
Panel Discussion - Telling Nigerian Stories on the big screen - Pleasure or Purpose
Panel Discussion - Telling Nigerian Stories on the big screen - Pleasure or PurposeIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
6:00 - 7:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 11 |
Film Screening - Up North/4th Republic
Film Screening - Up North/4th RepublicIn line with our theme, we will be looking at how our movie industry can combine arts with activism and raising society’s consciousness. We will be screening Ishaya Bako’s 4th Republic right after our panel on movies featuring Movie producers, actors and screenwriters. |
7:00 - 9:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 12 |
Guests and Attendees Proceed to Festival Bar
Guests and Attendees Proceed to Festival BarFun is a big part of ALitFest, and at ALitFest19, we will have a permanent Bar and Lounge for unwinding during the festival activities. Imagine peppersoup with movies or plays? Or your favourite Beer, malts, mocktails and cocktails on tap while you listen to poetry and listen to amazing readings and discussions? Yup. ALitFest19 has that on offer. |
9:00 - 11:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja |
| # | Session | Speakers | Time | Vanue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST |
7:00-9:30 | ||
| 2 |
Satire, Advocacy and Civic Engagement
Satire, Advocacy and Civic EngagementIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
9:30-10:30 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 3 |
BREAK 1
BREAK 1 |
10:30-10:45 | ||
| 4 |
Writing about Mental Health
Writing about Mental HealthIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
10:30-11:30 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 5 |
BREAK 2
BREAK 2 |
11:30 -11:45 | ||
| 6 |
Promoting Inclusive growth in the Nigerian Polity - We were Ready to run, are we ready to serve now?
Promoting Inclusive growth in the Nigerian Polity - We were Ready to run, are we ready to serve now?In line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
11:45 - 12:45 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 7 |
LUNCH
LUNCH |
12:45 - 2:00 | ||
| 8 |
Conflicts, Resentments and Historical Narratives
Conflicts, Resentments and Historical NarrativesIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
2:00 - 3:30 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 9 |
BREAK 3
BREAK 3 |
3:30 - 3:40 | ||
| 10 |
Art and Activism - Conservation and environmental disasters
Art and Activism - Conservation and environmental disastersIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
3:40 - 4:40 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 11 |
Publishing, and the challenges of book accessibility
Publishing, and the challenges of book accessibilityIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
05:00 - 06:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 12 |
Bringing Poetry to Today's Generation: Challenges, Potential and Opportunities
Bringing Poetry to Today's Generation: Challenges, Potential and OpportunitiesIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
6:00 - 7:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 13 |
ALS Poetry Grand Slam
ALS Poetry Grand SlamThe Abuja Literary Society is known across the country for our Spoken Word Poetry Slams, and at ALitFest18, we delivered a slam not seen before. The 2019 edition will be even more lit… There isn’t more that needs to be said on this. |
7:00 - 9:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 14 |
Guests and Attendees Proceed to Festival Bar
Guests and Attendees Proceed to Festival BarFun is a big part of ALitFest, and at ALitFest19, we will have a permanent Bar and Lounge for unwinding during the festival activities. Imagine peppersoup with movies or plays? Or your favourite Beer, malts, mocktails and cocktails on tap while you listen to poetry and listen to amazing readings and discussions? Yup. ALitFest19 has that on offer. |
9:00 - 11:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja |
| # | Session | Speakers | Time | Vanue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST |
7:00-9:30 | ||
| 2 |
Dance Aerobics
Dance AerobicsLast year, we attempted and succeeded in making people who are scared of heights, brave their fears and hike. Some didn’t though… (No, we’re not outing Timi and Dike, they were just… busy that day). So this year, we will make a switch and have more grounded fun instead, with Aerobics and Yoga. We can have as much fun on the ground as in the air. |
9:30-10:30 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 3 |
BREAK 1
BREAK 1 |
10:30-10:45 | ||
| 4 |
Nigeria's Migration and the global search for Fool's gold
Nigeria's Migration and the global search for Fool's goldIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
10:30-11:30 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 5 |
Writing Workshop 1 for Children (Ages 8 - 16)
Writing Workshop 1 for Children (Ages 8 - 16)The Young Readers’ Library had a swell time doing a great job as we taught and worked with the next gen of creatives. We will replicate same this year as well, so prepare your wards and younger siblings to take advantage of this. |
11:45 - 12:45 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 6 |
Emerging Literary Voices
Emerging Literary VoicesIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
Open Mic for Workshop Top Graduands Hosted by Writivism | 11:45 - 12:45 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja |
| 7 |
LUNCH/NETWORKING SESSION BETWEEN YOUNG WRITERS AND PUBLISHERS
LUNCH/NETWORKING SESSION BETWEEN YOUNG WRITERS AND PUBLISHERS |
12:45 - 2:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 8 |
Writing Workshop 2 for Children (Ages 8 - 16)
Writing Workshop 2 for Children (Ages 8 - 16)The Young Readers’ Library had a swell time doing a great job as we taught and worked with the next gen of creatives. We will replicate same this year as well, so prepare your wards and younger siblings to take advantage of this. |
2:00 - 3:30 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 9 |
Political Reportage, Press Freedom and Responsibility
Political Reportage, Press Freedom and ResponsibilityIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
2:00 - 3:30 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 10 |
BREAK 2
BREAK 2 |
11:30 -11:45 | ||
| 11 | 21st Century Nigerian Man - Navigating Success through today's Gender Expectations | 3:40 - 4:40 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 12 |
Nigeria's Sexual Harassment scourge and the Arewa Metoo movement
Nigeria's Sexual Harassment scourge and the Arewa Metoo movementIn line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
05:00 - 06:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 13 |
How to Write about Africa (poverty porn, gender issues, etc)
How to Write about Africa (poverty porn, gender issues, etc)In line with the festival theme – Arts and Social consciousness, the Panel discussions on the festival will range from conversations on Gender (male and female), sexuality, birth rates, Mental health, Sexual Harassment, Politics, press freedom, etc. The panels and book readings will feature Authors who have written around these themes and issues. At ALitFest19, we will attempt to interrogate how arts can shape and examine ideational issues and values. Excited? We are. |
6:00 - 7:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 14 |
Wedlock of the Gods - Play
Wedlock of the Gods - PlayAlitFest begins a segment honouring Post-Humous Nigerian writers. For AlitFest19, we begin with Prof. Zulu Sofola. There will be a modernized adaptation of Prof’s iconic play – Wedlock of the Gods. Imagine Odibei using Whatsapp? How will she pronounce it? Wozzup? Or an Asokoro Ogwoma? A cursing Anwasia? Amazing something. |
7:00 - 8:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 15 |
Vote of Thanks/Closing Ceremony
Vote of Thanks/Closing Ceremony |
8:00 - 9:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | |
| 16 |
Festival After Party
Festival After Party |
9:00 - 11:00 | Exhibition Pavilion, Area 10, Garki, Abuja |
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