"Nigeria Gathering" Pulses with Arabic Poetry

With Poems that Touch the Hearts

"Nigeria Gathering" Pulses with Arabic Poetry

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and within the framework of the poetry gathering initiative in Africa, the Republic of Nigeria witnessed the launch of the third edition of the Arabic Poetry Gathering organized by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Sharjah Culture Authority in collaboration with the Charitable Foundation for Teaching and Promoting the Arabic Language in Nigeria, featuring the participation of 14 poets and poets.

The gathering took place at the National Center for Development in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, attended by Dr. Mohammed Al-Sudani, Advisor to the Governor of Kaduna State, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Thani Ali, representative of the Nigerian Ministry of Education, along with university professors, institute faculty, students, and lovers and enthusiasts of Arabic poetry.

The opening session was coordinated by the cultural coordinator in Nigeria, Dr. Omar Adam Mohammed, who welcomed the attendees, saying: “I am pleased to welcome you under this lush canopy of branches, with ripe fruits and complete shade. I welcome you as the flocks of poetry soar in the sky of our beloved homeland, their throats filled with melodies of poetry. I welcome you to this third edition gathering titled: 'Africa Pulses with Arabic Poetry.'”

Dr. Mohammed Al-Thani Ali delivered a speech in which he expressed: “First and foremost, we would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the patron of this event, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for His generous support for holding such poetry gatherings not only in Nigeria but in many African countries. This, if it indicates anything, it reflects His Highness's interest in Africa and his eagerness to promote and establish Arabic culture there, pushing it forward. We pray that Allah grants you continued health, wellness, and long life.”

He added: “Poetry gatherings work to advance and flourish Arabic poetry not only in Nigeria but also in some neighboring African countries.”

Dr. Sulaiman Osman Suleiman, a lecturer at Kaduna State University, Nigeria, stated: “Our poets today are among those whom poetry has chosen as its knights, roaming with hearts filled with love for Africa in general and Nigeria in particular, translating their inner joys that only those with a refined culture can perceive, diving deep in search of meanings within human depths.”

"Readings"

The readings varied, revealing texts that carry the fragrance of the past, reviving images and scenes deeply rooted in the self, while others addressed the present through various themes such as love, hope, and homeland.

The gathering included 14 poets: Ikleel Ali, Anas Mohammed, Dawood Abubakar Suleiman, Abu Anis, Ibrahim Suleiman Babaaji, Mustafa Abubakar Mei Aiki, Mohammed Mansour Jibril, Al-Amin Adam Al-Kadunawi, Khadijah Yahya Mohammed, Ali Issa Harun Al-Otari, Noor Al-Din Mohammed Al-Fateh, Badr Ishaq, Abu Nabhan Mortada, and Fatima Mohammed Al-Hafiz.

The readings continued with other poets presenting diverse poems, while the closing witnessed the honoring of the participating creatives with certificates of appreciation, recognizing their artistic efforts and encouraging the continuation of poetic writing.