Three young poets have been named as winners in the Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition.
They are: First Prize – “A Sojourner” by Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza; Second Prize – “Sambisa Girl” by Nwegbo Miracle; and Third Prize – “Wale Okediran, A Man of Healing Ink” by Abdulmumeen Humulkhair Olamipo.
Two poets received Honourable Mention: “A Bloom, A Breath and A Song” by Deborah Usak, and “For Wale Okediran at 70” by Adegoke Oluwabukunmi.
The competition, which drew participation from young and talented Nigerian poets across the country, was established to honour the enduring literary contributions of Dr. Wale Okediran—renowned author, former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA).
According to the organisers, the literary contest was specifically designed for Nigerian writers under the age of 25 and aims to discover and amplify new literary voices while celebrating the legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost literary trailblazers.
“This year’s entries demonstrated not only the creative vitality of Nigerian youth but also their commitment to using literature as a means of expression, reflection, and advocacy,” they said in a press statement.
The judging panel, chaired by Professor Mabel Evwierhoma of the Department of Dramatic Arts, University of Abuja, carefully reviewed the entries and shortlisted five outstanding works.
She was supported by an esteemed panel which included Khalid Imam, an acclaimed poet and arts curator, and Akudo Nkemjika Okeke, a poet, screenwriter, and scriptwriter.
The judges praised the submissions for their “originality, emotional resonance, and thoughtful engagement with a wide range of themes.”
Omeiza, the winner of the First Prize, is a Senior Secondary School 2 student at Government College Ibadan.
A budding poet, he draws inspiration from his environment, teachers, and literary legends such as Niyi Osundare, Tade Ipadeola, Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Adichie, and Dr. Wale Okediran himself.
His poem, “A Sojourner”, reflects an insightful and mature poetic voice that impressed the judges.
The Second Prize winner, Nwegbo, is a medical student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
In addition to being a poet, Nwegbo is also an essayist and photographer.
He sees poetry as a powerful, melodic tool capable of social transformation.
His prize-winning piece, “Sambisa Girl”, captures deep emotional themes through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression.
Olamipo, who won the Third Prize, hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, and is a student at the University of Ilorin.
Her poem, “Wale Okediran, A Man of Healing Ink”, pays tribute to the celebrant with lyrical elegance and thematic depth.
Known for weaving emotion into every stanza, Olamipo continues to hone her poetic skills with great dedication.
To collect their prize certificates and monetary awards, the winners were to contact the competition coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, via email at woleadedoyin@gmail.com.
The organisers extended their gratitude to all participants and encouraged them to continue nurturing their literary talents.
Organisers of the competition said: “The Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition not only celebrates the legacy of a literary icon but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of Nigerian literature.
“Through initiatives like this, the voices of the next generation of writers are being empowered, amplified, and given the recognition they deserve.”
