On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Glover’s Memorial Hall in Marina, Lagos, came alive with an evening dedicated to words and rhythm as the Embassy of Ireland and friends of Ireland presented "The People and Poetry." This special gathering showcased the creative prowess of Nigerian poets and celebrated the power of spoken word to connect and inspire.

The event drew an esteemed audience of dignitaries, celebrities, and poetry enthusiasts, eager to witness the talents of Nigerian artists. Captivating performances were delivered by a diverse lineup, including Dragons Hart, Juliet Nnaji, Aremo Gemini, Ruth Mahogany, Saheed Sunday, Amy Shimson Santo, Margaret Jey-Sharwan, Damola Mabogunje, and Ifeoma Esin, with a special guest appearance by the renowned Sage Hasson.

A major highlight of the evening was the Open Mic contest, where over 20 shortlisted poets competed, leading to a thrilling final showdown. Isidima emerged as the winner, claiming the 100,000 naira cash prize, with Mr. Peter Ryan, the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, applauding the top five finalists. In his remarks, Mr. Ryan expressed Ireland’s appreciation for the role of culture, noting how initiatives like this help foster artistic expression and community through poetry.

Organized by Aduke Gomez, a poet and literary activist, "The People and Poetry" embodied a night of unity and celebration, strengthening cultural bonds and highlighting the richness of Nigeria's literary talent.