In celebration of the forthcoming 70th birthday of renowned Nigerian writer and literary administrator, Dr. Wale Okediran, the organisers of the Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition have officially released the longlist of selected entries.
The organisers said that the announcement follows a rigorous assessment and consensus by a panel of seasoned judges tasked with selecting standout works from a pool of impressive submissions by young and emerging poets across the country.
The judging panel, chaired by Professor Mabel Evwierhoma of the Department of Dramatic Arts, University of Abuja, included distinguished literary voices such as Khalid Imam, a published poet and arts curator, and Akudo Nkemjika Okeke, a poet, scriptwriter, and screenwriter.
The panel expressed admiration for the creativity and thematic depth displayed by the young poets, many of whom explored themes of healing, resilience, nationhood, and personal identity.
The Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition was instituted to honour the literary legacy of Dr. Wale Okediran, a former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA).
Aimed specifically at young and emerging Nigerian writers under the age of 25, the competition has served as a platform to spotlight fresh talent while celebrating a literary icon.
According to the organisers, the selection of the longlist was based not only on the literary merit of the works but also on their originality and clarity of voice.
The judges noted the difficulty of their task given the impressive quality of entries received.
The longlisted entries, in no particular order, are as follows:
1. Sojourner – Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza
2. Wale Okediran, A Man of Healing Ink – Abdulmumeen Humul
3. A Bloom, A Breath and a Song – Deborah Usak
4. Digging Deep for Happiness amid Fossils and Bones – Muheez Olawale
5. Sambisa Girl – Nwegbo Miracle
6. Fate Think Me A Victim – Grace Oni
7. Echoes Beyond Time – Fasuyi Favour Iyanuoluwa
8. Wale Okediran @ 70 – Adegoke Oluwabukunmi
9. Bird in My Mouth, Grief in My Palms – Felix Eshie
10. A Passionate Jeremiad for My Homeland – Olobo Ejile
The organisers congratulated the poets and expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants for their remarkable passion and creativity.
They further announced that the shortlist for the competition will be officially unveiled on April 19, 2025.
