Greener tomorrow: ‘Whispers of the Earth’ to stir Lagos in commemoration of World Earth Day

…This isn’t just performance art, it’s a call to action — Godson Osarenren

The serene grounds of Alliance Française Lagos are set to come alive on Saturday 26th April 2025 in celebration of World Earth Day, not with the usual fanfare, but with the soulful resonance of poetry and art.

Titled “Whispers of the Earth: Poetry for a Greener Tomorrow,” the event promises to be an evocative blend of spoken word, sustainability, and creative activism. A gathering where voices rise not in protest, but in promise.

The initiative is a collaboration between Naija Poetry Fest and Alliance Française, two institutions at the forefront of culture and creativity. Continuing his mission to amplify youth voices through the arts, Godson Osarenren, poet, teacher, and convener of Naija Poetry Fest, is once again putting the spotlight on how literature can spark change in the environmental space.

“Our planet is groaning. Through poetry, we can echo those groans, and maybe just maybe we’ll listen,” Osarenren said. “This isn’t just performance art, it’s a call to action. From waste to words, every expression matters.”

2'Whyte de Gbedu Poet, known for his raw and urban style, will showcase a groundbreaking art installation created entirely from pure water sachets. For 2'Whyte, this isn’t just about aesthetics, it's about passing a message across: “Pure water sachets litter our streets every day. Instead of just complaining, I decided to turn them into canvases. This is my form of protest to a cleaner earth and poetry, he shared. His work is expected to strike a chord, especially with the younger generation, who face the brunt of environmental degradation.”

Beyond visual art, the event will feature poets from the Naija Poetry Fest community, each taking to the stage with ecological poems, carefully crafted verses that give voice to the environment, explore the emotional and spiritual connection between humans and nature, and advocate for sustainable change. These aren’t just poets, they're environmental defenders with metaphors as their megaphones.

The curation of the event was led by Lanre Sonde, an accomplished poet and cultural curator whose work bridges art and activism. Known for his ability to craft meaningful, immersive experiences, Lanre was also behind the successful Women in Poetry edition last month.

He shared his vision for the Earth Day event: “The earth doesn’t shout. It whispers and through this event, we want those whispers to be heard loud and clear from the rainforest to the city streets. My goal is to show that poetry isn’t just for entertainment; it’s for change.”

Adding academic depth to the occasion, Professor Omonirin, Dean of Environmental Sciences at the University of Lagos, will be in attendance to speak on the intersection of policy, poetry, and the planet.

A keynote speaker, whose identity is being kept under wraps for now, is also expected to deliver what insiders are calling a “profound and pivotal” address.

With support from Alliance Française, known for its commitment to arts, language, and culture, the Earth Day edition of Naija Poetry Fest is not just another calendar event. It’s a movement that invites every Nigerian to reflect on our environmental reality and reimagine our future through the lens of creativity.

As the sun sets on Earth Day, and voices rise in rhyme and rhythm, one thing is certain, Nigeria’s youth are not just speaking up for the earth, they’re standing with it. Don’t miss “Whispers of the Earth” at Alliance Française, Lagos. Let poetry move you and the planet.