Abuja Hosts Maiden AFLI, Spotlighting Literature and Ideas
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The inaugural Abuja Festival of Literature and Ideas (AFLI) has kicked off in Abuja, gathering writers, intellectuals and cultural figures to discuss literature, politics, technology, peace and the future of society. Organised by the Book Buzz Foundation in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and supported by European diplomatic missions, the two-day festival aims to promote cultural exchange and provide a platform for conversations on issues shaping Nigeria and the world.
Speaking at the opening, the Director of the Book Buzz Foundation, Ms. Lola Shoneyin, said Abuja deserved a world-class literary festival, noting that culture and creativity are essential to the development of any city.
Shoneyin, who recalled living and working in Abuja for three years, said the city has an enthusiastic cultural audience but needs more platforms for literature, creativity and the exchange of ideas. According to her, the festival was designed to bring international thinkers and global voices together while retaining a distinctly Nigerian identity.
She explained that the festival's logo pays tribute to Ladi Kwali, the renowned Nigerian potter from Kwali, whose work blended traditional Gbagyi techniques with modern studio pottery and earned international recognition. She said the choice reflects the festival's ambition to celebrate Nigerian creativity while encouraging engagement with ideas from across the world.
Shoneyin added that the programme spans a broad range of issues, including social divisions, freedom, artificial intelligence, the internet, science, poetry and the future of cultural expression. She said the festival would also offer young people from Northern Nigeria a platform to voice their aspirations, and help women writers from the region strengthen their presence in the literary landscape.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the festival as an important step towards expanding cultural activities beyond Lagos, particularly into Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. He said the EU and its member states regard culture as a means of promoting mutual understanding, shared values and economic opportunities for creative professionals and institutions.
He also pointed to the EU's support for the Nigerian Picture Book Project, which recently unveiled 20 picture books created by Nigerian writers and illustrators for children across the country. According to him, the EU is expanding its support for Africa's creative economy through initiatives designed to empower artists and encourage cultural partnerships between Africa and Europe.
On the festival programme, Mignot welcomed Sergio Jaramillo, Colombia's former High Commissioner for Peace, describing his participation as an opportunity to strengthen intellectual and cultural links between Africa and Latin America. Jaramillo, who was involved in Colombia's peace process, was expected to share insights from his experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, as well as perspectives relevant to Nigeria's security challenges.
The ambassador also stressed the role of literature and ideas in confronting destructive ideologies and building a more peaceful society.
"Literature and ideas can also give us the inspiration, the strength and the moral resources to build a better world together," he said.
A panel discussion featuring Jaramillo and Richard Ali explored issues surrounding peace and conflict, drawing on Colombia's experience and the challenges of achieving lasting peace. The festival also featured book conversations, poetry sessions and other panel discussions, further enriching the programme's exploration of literature, ideas and public life.
The organisers said the festival is intended to establish Abuja as a stronger centre for literary and intellectual engagement, while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and public dialogue.
