The Aké Arts and Books Festival has officially commenced, bringing together literature enthusiasts, artists, and creatives from across Africa and beyond. At the heart of this dynamic celebration is Sterling Bank, a dedicated headline sponsor for eight consecutive years, playing a pivotal role in elevating Africa’s creativity and culture to global prominence.
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| L-R Mazeedah Olutosin, Submissions Editor at Ouida Books; Maurice Igugu, Chief Marketing Officer at Sterling Bank; Lola Shoneyin, founder, Book Buzz Foundation and Director, Aké Arts and Book Festival; Tobechukwu Anyachebelu, Administrative manager at Book Buzz Foundation; Anjola Ayodeji, Bookstore officer at Ouida Books during the opening of Ake Arts & Books Festival held in Lagos on Thursday. |
Opening the festival, Lola Shoneyin, the visionary director of Aké, captivated the audience with her reflections on this year’s theme, “Finding Freedom.” Shoneyin addressed pressing global challenges with candor and urgency.
“I’ve seen too many structures fail us—systems that were supposed to keep us curious and informed have crumbled, leaving people dehumanized and hopeless,” Shoneyin said. “But here, at Aké Festival, we don’t shy away from those hard truths. We embrace them, knowing our stories hold the power to heal, to inspire, and, yes, to set us free.”
Her profound words resonated deeply with the audience. “Freedom may feel harder to grasp these days, but through creativity—through art, literature, and music—we can spark hope and reimagine what’s possible,” she added, earning a wave of applause that set the tone for a festival brimming with inspiration.
The festival offers a packed lineup of events, including book chats, panel discussions, poetry readings, music performances, and film screenings. Each activity is carefully curated to spark reflection, foster connection, and celebrate the richness of African storytelling.
In a press briefing, Sterling Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Maurice Igugu, highlighted the importance of the bank’s enduring partnership with Aké.
“Platforms like Aké are essential for fostering creativity and preserving culture,” Igugu explained. “It’s more than just an event—it’s a celebration of who we are and what makes us unique. It showcases the richness of African heritage and amplifies our voices on a global stage.”
Igugu also emphasized Sterling’s commitment to the arts. “When we invest in initiatives like Aké, we’re not just supporting a festival; we’re backing a movement that nurtures creativity and drives intellectual and cultural growth,” he added.
Sterling’s unwavering support has ensured Aké remains a thriving space where ideas flourish and stories travel beyond Africa’s borders. While Shoneyin’s leadership has shaped the festival’s heart and soul, Sterling’s contributions have provided the foundation for its continued success.
As the festival unfolds, its vibrant energy is a testament to the power of collaboration between visionaries like Shoneyin and committed supporters like Sterling Bank. Together, they are showcasing Africa’s creativity and paving the way for a brighter future.
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