River Niger storytelling project to debut at Jos Festival 2026, featuring a textile map and live performance on the river’s history

The Jos International Festival of Storytelling 2026, in collaboration with Stan Café, will debut a new cultural project titled ‘River Tour – The Niger,’ showcasing the history and journey of the River Niger through visual art and performance.

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The storytelling project is one of the festival’s standout attractions and will present research findings by Egija Naija and Stan Café, tracing the river’s origins, geography, and passage across Africa.

Founder of Egija Naija and the festival, Abraham Omale, said the project will feature a striking 20-metre textile map designed to visually narrate the river’s historical and physical journey.

He added that veteran actress Olajumoke Olatunbosun will take on a symbolic role, portraying the River Niger and delivering a live narrative of its story.

Abraham Omale explained that the river originates from Fouta Djallon in Guinea and flows through several African countries, including Mali, before reaching Nigeria.

The three-day festival, scheduled for June 26 to 29, will bring together artists from Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and the United Kingdom, reinforcing its growing international appeal.

Activities will include panel discussions, documentary storytelling workshops, and live performances, offering a dynamic blend of cultural exchange and creative expression.

The project also marks a significant milestone in the festival’s evolution, reflecting its renewed ambition after a three-year break to restructure and expand its scope.

Abraham Omale noted that the festival began as a small collaborative effort among storytellers from diverse backgrounds but has since grown into a vibrant platform responding to increasing demand for cultural storytelling.

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The 2026 edition is expected to deliver a powerful and immersive experience, positioning storytelling as a vital tool for preserving history and connecting communities across borders.