Celina Chinwenmeri Ikechukwu has emerged as the winner of the Awele’s Heart Short Story Peace Prize.
The prize is sponsored by The FAMBI Group and administered by Writers’ Hub.
Coordinator of the Writers’ Hub, Sumaila Umaisha, said in a press statement: “She clinched the award with her entry titled ‘A Window Between Us,’ which the jury commended for its outstanding plot and structure, strong characterisation, originality and creativity, depth of thematic exploration, high-quality writing style, mechanical accuracy, and compelling emotional impact.”
He congratulated the winner and “those who made the longlist and shortlist, including all the participants.”
About the winner
According to a separate statement, Umaisha disclosed that Ikechukwu is a 300-level student of Optometry at the University of Benin, Edo State.
She started writing from an early age, her mother as her motivator and her father, her inspiration.
He said: “She explores the anatomy of peace, culture and lifestyle through poetry and prose. She delves into the fragile spaces between grief and healing, conflict and reconciliation, exploring how quiet acts of humanity can rebuild bridges in a fractured world.
“A YASCO Poetry Prize winner (‘Dear Self’), her latest story, ‘A Window Between Us,’ is a testament to this belief, offering a poignant narrative on the courage required to choose peace over inherited pain.”
Umaisha had earlier today released the shortlist for the short story writing competition.
According to him, the contest attracted 96 entries, out of which the following shortlist emerged:
1. ‘Segun’s Story’ by Sylvester Ihonwa
2. ‘A Window Between Us’ by Celina Chinwenmeri Ikechukwu
3. ‘We Built A Wall in May’ by Salamatu Suleiman Usman
The chief juror of the contest was Dr Lizi Ben-Iheanacho.
