The 27th Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF) is set to kick off on November 10, 2025, at Freedom Park Lagos Island and the JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos.
The festival’s theme, “Change: Imagining Alternatives,” aims to encourage new processes to transform Nigerian society into a productive, knowledge economy.
The week-long festival will feature 62 events, including Conversations, Networking, Workshops, Mentorships, Children Festival, and 12 Plenaries on politics, culture, and society. There will also be 4 Sessions on Literature in the Digital Age, 10 BookTreks, and 2 days of Green Festival. The event will bring together renowned authors, artists, and thought leaders to discuss and debate pressing issues affecting Nigeria and the world.
LABAF Director Jahman Anikulapo emphasizes that the festival is an open-air, free program, aligning with CORA’s founding objective of educating, enlightening, and empowering citizens.
The event has established itself as a vital platform for national discourse and social change, exploring artistic and cultural resources to develop Nigeria’s human capital.
The festival promises to be an exciting platform for literature, art, and culture enthusiasts to come together, share ideas, and inspire change. With its diverse programming, LABAF 2025 is expected to attract participants from across the continent and beyond. The event will feature exhibitions, performances, and interactive sessions, making it a must-attend for anyone passionate about the arts and Nigerian culture.
The Lagos Book & Art Festival is a significant event in Nigeria’s cultural calendar, and its impact is felt across the country. By promoting literacy and empowering Nigerians through the arts, LABAF is helping to shape the country’s future. With its rich programming and inclusive approach, LABAF 2025 is set to be an unforgettable experience.
Speakers expected to feature at the festival include Aduke Gomez, poet and playwright; Toki Mabogunje, lawyer and author; Daniel Barenboim, music director; Edward W. Said, literary critic; and Femi Odugbemi, filmmaker.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, is also expected to make a cameo.
