Sterling Bank and Aké Festival Illuminate Lagos with Culture and Creativity
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
The Aké Arts and Books Festival has commenced with great fanfare, attracting literature enthusiasts, artists, and creatives from across Africa and beyond. Sterling Bank, the dedicated headline sponsor for the past eight years, continues to play a pivotal role in showcasing Africa’s vibrant creativity and culture on a global platform.
Lola Shoneyin, the dynamic and visionary director of Aké, inaugurated the festival with poignant reflections on this year’s theme, “Finding Freedom.” Addressing urgent global issues, Shoneyin spoke with a sense of urgency and honesty.
“I have witnessed too many systems fail us—structures meant to keep us informed and curious have collapsed, leaving people feeling dehumanized and hopeless,” Shoneyin remarked. “At Aké Festival, we confront these hard truths head-on. We believe our stories have the power to heal, inspire, and ultimately, set us free.”
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.
Her words deeply resonated with the audience. “Freedom may seem elusive these days, but through creativity—through art, literature, and music—we can ignite hope and reimagine possibilities,” she added, eliciting a wave of applause that set an inspiring tone for the event.
The festival is brimming with activities, offering a wide range of book discussions, panel talks, poetry sessions, music performances, and film screenings. Each event is meticulously designed to provoke thought and foster connections, creating a space where attendees can celebrate the richness of Africa’s storytelling heritage.
In a recent press conference, Sterling Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Maurice Igugu, explained why the bank remains deeply committed to Aké. “Platforms like Aké are crucial for nurturing creativity and preserving culture,” Igugu stated. “This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our identity and what makes us unique. It highlights the richness of African heritage and amplifies our voices on the world stage.”
Igugu also underscored Sterling’s commitment to supporting the arts. “When we invest in initiatives like Aké, we are not just funding a festival; we are supporting a movement that fosters creativity and promotes intellectual and cultural growth,” he said.
Sterling’s support has been instrumental in ensuring that Aké remains a space where ideas flourish and stories reach far beyond Africa’s borders.
While Shoneyin’s leadership has shaped the festival’s essence, Sterling’s backing has provided the foundation for its success.
As the festival unfolds, its vibrant energy underscores the power of collaboration between visionary leaders like Shoneyin and steadfast supporters like Sterling Bank. Together, they are celebrating Africa’s creativity and paving the way for its future.
